James M Burness' Obituary
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 of Ithaca High School, attended The University of Florida, earning a degree in Finance and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He pursued a career in investment management and financial planning, with positions at Merril Lynch, Advest and ultimately, founded his own financial planning firm, Dublin Wealth Management. Jim spent much of his adult life in Dublin, Ohio. He was an active member of the Dublin A.M. Rotary Club, serving as Club President and chair of the International Committee for many years. Jim was known for his love of spicy food, including growing his own hot peppers in his plentiful vegetable garden, famous homemade limoncello, his humor and dedication to his family. Jim was a lifelong boater, spending many years boating with his family on Lake Erie and then the Gulf/Tampa Bay area following a move to Florida in 2021. He was happiest by the water with his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife, Susan Durso Burness; beloved daughters, Megan (Greg) Bennett, Kylie (Remy) Lynn, Mackenzie (Ryan Ludwig) Burness; granddaughters Claire Bennett, Adira Lynn; brothers, Jeffrey (Constance) Burness, Thomas (Dawn) Burness; sister-in-law Michelle (Jim) Spinella; nieces Rachel Spinella, Nicole Spinella, Justine Burness. He was preceded in death by his parents Virginia Burness, Charles Burness; father-in-law Michael Durso, mother-in-law Katherine Durso.
A Celebration of Life for Jim Burness will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 PM at The Country Club at Muirfield Village
8715 Muirfield Dr, Dublin, OH 43017 Hosted by The Burness Family
Please join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Jim Burness. We will have a brief program at the start where friends and family will share memories of Jim.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Dublin A.M Rotary Charitable Foundation and the Intensive Care Nursery at the Pennsylvania Hospital.
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