James P. Burns
October 31, 2009
CLEMSON, S.C. — James P. “Jim” Burns, 87, died Saturday, Oct. 31 at his residence after a long battle with heart disease.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 at Clemson First Baptist Church. Visitation followed from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clemson University Foundation Reva W. Burns Endowment Scholarship in Nursing, Clemson University Foundation, PO Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633; Clemson First Baptist Church or Oconee Medical Center Hospice of the Foothills.

Jim was born in Greenville, S.C. to the late J.C.F. Burns and Pauline Burns. Brothers, Paul J. Burns and Eugene W. Burns and daughter, Nancy G. Burns, also preceded him in death.

Jim retired from Clemson University in 1984 after 24 years of service where he was director of the Communications Center. He served as magistrate for the university from 1969-1981. He was an integral part of establishing and developing Clemson’s public media programs including Clemson’s extension service TV and radio programs. He also served as production supervisor for Clemson University Sports Media serving several football and basketball coaches. He remained active serving IPTAY up to the time of his death.

Jim was a member of Clemson First Baptist Church and served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, trustee, leader in the Monday Morning Men’s Prayer group and coordinator of transportation for those in need. He served as a volunteer for Oconee Medical Center working in the ER and as a member and past president of the Auxiliary, Hospice of the Foothills, Collins Children’s Ministries and many other organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Reva of nearly 63 years; sons, Gene (Jeannie) Burns of Asheville, N.C. and Mercer (Martha) Burns of Pendleton, S.C.; daughter, Ann (George) Courtney of Clemson; grandchildren, Nancy Jones, Rob (Jennifer) Burns, Michael Fuller II, Krispen Burns and fiancé Matt Brant, Sara (Nathan) Cook, Jimmy (Lauren) Burns and Carl Fuller and one great-grandchild, the light of his life, Daisy Carson Cook.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons.