James Robert Burns, of Rolla, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the age of 77.He was born on December 14, 1938 in Gobler, MO to the late Paul Burns and Wava Irene (Neal) Burns. On September 11, 1959, he married Glenda (Richardson) Burns.In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Paula Miller. Growing up in the farmlands of the bootheel in Gobler, MO Jim knew he didn't want to be a cotton farmer. He dabbled as a postal worker, horse jockey and lightweight boxer. He ultimately chose finance/banking. In 1968, he and Glenda chose to settle in Doolittle, MO and made that heir home for over 30 years. Jim had many interests - in addition to being a banker for over 20 years he was a farmer, horseman, owned Newburg Corner Pool Hall and a salvage yard where he also sold cars and Shoal Runner boats, was an insurance salesman, house flipper, fisherman, mayor of Doolittle and lastly owner of Burns Army Surplus. His most notable job was as a husband, father and grandfather. He was absolutely adored by his family and his little dog Gizmo.Jim was an extremely caring and kind man. He always thought everyone deserved to be given achance. He was even an unofficial bail bonds man on occasion.Jim fought a long battle with kidney failure due to a medical procedure. Thanks to the American Kidney Foundation and his health care providers: Jimmy Bell, FNP, Dr. Lisa Lopez and Kelly Shepard (his nurse at Davita Dialysis) he was given many more years than were ever anticipated. Also, special thanks to PCRMC and the caregivers on the Telemetry floor for their compassion and kindness to him and his family during his last 6 days.Jim will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes: his wife, Glenda(Richardson) Burns of Rolla; two daughters, Kim Wehrle (Mark) of Granite City, IL and Leslie Burns of Rolla, MO; one brother, Michael Burns (Eva) of Coperas Cove, TX; one granddaughter, Ryann Rigsby; and a special nephew, Anthony Burns.A memorial service for James R. Burns will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 11,2016 at the Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 2 p.m.Memorial contributions are suggested to American Kidney Foundation.Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.