Birth date: Oct 28, 1958 Death date: Jun 12, 2025
Oldsmar, Florida - James Michael Burness (66), passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2025 at Mease Dunedin Hospital. He was born on October 28, 1958 in Ithaca, New York to Virginia and Charles Burness. James, “Jim”, is a graduate Read Obituary
Hi Mrs Burness and family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Burness.
I have such good memories of when we were next door neighbors in Syracuse many years ago. Mr Burness used to play lacrosse with me and my brother Joe and we were so excited when we asked him to give us a ride in his Porsche and he said yes! I even remember when Megan and Kylie would come over and play with my sister Ariella. May his memory be a blessing.
Ben Goldberg
I’m struggling to write something, Jim. I don’t want to write — I want to talk to you about college escapades that came about from being roommates. I want to relive our road trips together, compare our family vacations, and hear about your boating adventures. I want to pick up the phone and talk about life, politics, the stock market, and listen to you brag about your wife and kids.
But that is not the way it is supposed to be.
I hope you are hearing our prayers and know how much you are missed. Godspeed, Jim. All this will have to wait until I catch up to you.
In Hoc Signo Vinces
Charlie Haupt
Sigma Chi Fraternity Brother and Friend
During his term as President of the Dublin A.M. Rotary Club, Jim came to me after one of our meetings and said he has just seen a video on a new program called the Veterans Honor Flight which flew veterans from all across the country to Washington D.C. and toured the national monuments in their honor and recognized their service to the country. Jim knew that several members of our club owned private aircraft and was wondering if I, as Chair of our Veterans Affairs Committee, would be willing to lead an effort to have our club sponsor a similar program for local veterans. Jim indicated that as Club President he was willing to do anything he could to support such a program. That was the genesis of a club program that lasted for over ten years and flew over 60 veterans to Manassas, Virginia, a van drive into Washington D.C., stopovers at nine national monuments dedicated to their service, lunch at Fort Myers chow hall, and multiple opportunities for stories and tales of service life and experiences for these WWII, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam veterans the club supported on these trips. Jim was the sparkplug and key supporter for this club program and so many veterans were grateful and thankful to have had this experience all in their honor.
Dave Williamson, Chair, Dublin A.M. Rotary Veterans Affairs Committee
With love, Keri and Jeff Campbell
My fondest memory of Jim is a very recent one where he gave one of the very best speeches and toasts at Ryan and MacKenzie’s wedding May 10. What a class act as a father and husband. Every time my husband Jeff and I were around him, was so comfortable and enjoyable. We know he will be very missed by family and friends. We love you Sue, Megan, Kylie and Mackenzie. How wonderful is it to have been loved so deeply by your husband Sue, and father, girls. Hold that in your hearts…
Love to all of the Burness family. We have wonderful memories of your family and Jim as we all raised our girls together. Jim was a light and a wonderful person. Our love and prayers to you all.
