JAMES R. BURNS

James R. Burns, age 64, of Belton, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021 at St. Sabina Catholic Church, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Belton Cemetery in Belton, Missouri.

Jim was born in Salina, Kansas on February 13, 1957 to Raymond P. Burns and Viola A. (Leiker) Burns. He grew up with three siblings, Gary, Larry, and Kathy. Raised in an Air Force family, the family lived in Okinawa and Virginia before settling in Belton in 1969. Jim was a 1975 graduate of Belton High School. Jim obtained both his bachelor's and master's in history from Central Missouri State University. He was awarded his doctorate in Political Science from the University of Missouri. Jim pursued a career in teaching, including positions at Wichita State University, Kansas City Kansas Community College and William Jewel. He taught Political Science the last 22 years at Johnson County Community College. Jim was a caring, loving son, brother and uncle who gave selflessly to the care of his Mom in her final years. He was also an avid baseball fan, devoted Mizzou fan, voracious reader and lover of all things historic. Jim was a man of strong Catholic faith and a member of St. Sabina Parish in Belton, Missouri.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Viola Burns. He leaves behind his three siblings, Gary Burns (Janet), Larry Burns, and Kathy Burns; and two nephews, Jim and Jack Burns.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Sabina Catholic Church as addressed above.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278