James ‘Jim’ Burns

James “Jim” Milton Burns was born July 28, 1934, in Kingfisher to Zello Theodore “Buzz” and Irene (Cooke) Burns.

He died March 16, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 87.

A memorial service is planned at noon Saturday, April 2, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Texas, with Pastor Jim Butt officiating.

Jim graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1952.

He married Charlotte Marie Schreck on June 7, 1955, at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.

Jim began a decorated career with Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) as a border patrol agent in September 1957.

During his 45-plus years of active duty, he performed duties within every division of INS serving in Eagle Pass, Texas, and Baton Rouge, La., through 1964.

He transferred to the INS in Detroit, Mich. (1964-66); Toronto, Canada (1966-68); New Orleans, La. (1968-72); Baltimore, Md. (1973-77); Dallas, Texas (1977-84); and Guam (1984-89), after which he returned to the Dallas office.

In addition to temporary assignments in the U.S., he saw service in Southeast Asia, Bahamas and Haiti.

Jim retired in 1997, but in August 1998 was asked to return to work in an effort to reduce the backlogged naturalization application caseload. He worked an additional six years.

Jim was an active member and Past Master of Lancaster Masonic Lodge No. 160, a member of Red Oak Lodge No. 461 and a lifetime member through home lodge in Detroit, Mich. He was also a Shriner and rode with the Scooter Patrol in many Mardi Gras parades while stationed in New Orleans.

He served as elder in his local Presbyterian church and delivered Meals on Wheels until illness forced him to retire from volunteering.

Jim is survived by his wife of the home; son Charles Michael Burns and wife Amy of Huntsville, Ala., son James Wesley Burns and wife Lisa of Denton, Texas, daughter Rebecca Marie Atchley and husband Kerry of Arlington, Texas, daughter Kerry Kathleen Prasifka and husband Jason of Frisco, Texas; 10 grandchildren and one step-grandchild; nine great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; brother Jerry Burns and wife Barbara of Park City, Kan.; sister-in-law Doris Dixon of Ft. Smith, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Dorothy Pray and husband Kenny; and brother Max Burns; and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks charitable donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.