James Burns

James Lester “Jim” Burns, 60, of Wood River and formerly of Worden, Illinois passed away at his home at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  He was born May 6, 1963, in Highland, Illinois.  He married Leslie A. Spencer on May 31, 2006 at Fort de Chartres in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois and she survives.  Jim was an archeologist throughout his life and served over 40 years with the University of Illinois.  He was an avid participant with the Rendevous throughout the years and was a member of the muzzle loading gun club, Les Coureurs des Bois de Chartres.  He loved his days of fishing and hunting and enjoyed special times with his family and friends.  Jim never met a stranger and was known as “Blue Eyes” to many.  In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his father, Lawrence Burns of Collinsville; his mother and stepfather, Joyce (Harris) and Robert Williams of Glen Carbon; a son, Jacob Burns of Boulder, Colorado; two stepsons, Robert (Ashley) Spencer of Wood River and Billy (Stephanie) Spencer of Mt. Morris; five grandchildren, Charlie Ann, Ramona, Margo, Sophia and Sonny Spencer; stepbrothers, Dennis (Debby) Williams, Robert (Patty) Williams and Donald Williams; his former wife and mother of Jacob, Dynel Pizzini of Edwardsville; nieces; nephews; other extended family and many cherished friends.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Christine (James) DuVall; stepbrother, Michael Williams; stepsister, Dorothy Wilkerson; grandparents, Leroy and Anna Harris and Clyde and Lucille Burns.

In celebration of his life, a memorial gathering will be at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. with words from a dear friend, Steve Fulton at 2:00 p.m.  Burial of his remains will be at Glen Carbon City Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be made to the family and may be accepted at the funeral chapel.  www.irwinchapel.com

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home