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Jim Burns celebrates 100th

Posted 5/22/21

Friends and family of James Cannon "Jim" Burns Jr. are celebrating his turning 100 years old on May 24. Jim said recently, "It has been a good ride." Jim is still married to Mena Anderson Burns - the love of his life and wife for the past 70 years. His children each said they wanted to wish to express their deep gratitude to him for his steadfast love and guidance he has provided to them, and for his strong devotion to their mother...

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Jim Burns celebrates 100th

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Friends and family of James Cannon "Jim" Burns Jr. are celebrating his turning 100 years old on May 24. Jim said recently, "It has been a good ride."

Jim is still married to Mena Anderson Burns - the love of his life and wife for the past 70 years. His children each said they wanted to wish to express their deep gratitude to him for his steadfast love and guidance he has provided to them, and for his strong devotion to their mother.

His children are: Linda (Brad) Bayles, Bob (Cathy) Burns, Ben (Chris) Burns, Kent (Susan) Burns and Mary (Jack) Murray. His sister Betty Burns McCarty is 97 years old and lives in Florence, Ala.

Jim was born in McKenzie on May 24, 1921, to the late James C. Burns and Mary Bobo Burns.

He attended high school in Dickson, where he was senior class president and valedictorian. Jim graduated from Vanderbilt University in December, 1942. While at Vanderbilt, he was a member of ATO fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa honorary society.

The former Shelbyvillian volunteered for the Army in World War II and was called to active duty on January 26, 1943. He received his Commission in the Army Air Corps at Yale University in October 1944. Jim was recalled to active duty in April 1951 during the Korean War.

He would go on to graduate from Vanderbilt law school in August 1948, and practiced law in Shelbyville for 50 years; he was also involved in several businesses. He married Mena in 1951 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Jim moved to the Sunshine State in 1998; he's spent his later years in a retirement community in Penny Farms, Fla., which is just south of Jacksonville.

Those who would like to reach out to Jim and wish him a Happy Birthday, may contact him at Burnsjim1921@gmail.com.