John "J.P." Burns Jr.

John Porter "J.P." Burns, Jr., 84, of Charles Town, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on December 23, 2025, surrounded by those he loved.

J.P. was born on May 18, 1941, in Winchester, Virginia. A lifelong farmer, he devoted his life to the land, his family, and his community. At just seven years old, following a stroke that left his father paralyzed, J.P., the eldest of four children, assumed significant responsibility for operating the family farm. What began as a 430-acre operation milking cows and selling eggs, with a flock of ewes, steadily expanded under his leadership and tireless work ethic.

J.P. owned and operated a beef cattle and grain farm alongside his brother, Richard Burns, for decades. Together, they also ran a dairy operation until 1986. Over the years, the farm grew to include market hogs, beef cattle, and an expanded dairy herd. In 1976, they built a double-six milking parlor, increasing production to 120 dairy cows along with 100 head of beef cattle. Following a dairy buyout in 1986, the brothers transitioned their focus entirely to beef cattle and grain farming. At the height of the operation, they owned approximately 1,100 acres, rented an additional 1,000 acres, maintained 900 head of beef cattle, and grew corn, soybeans, and wheat, while producing several hundred acres of grass hay annually.

J.P. lived his life with a profound sense of duty-to his parents, his family, the farm, and the greater community. That commitment was evident in his extensive service and leadership. He was a pillar of Jefferson County, dedicating 45 years to the Jefferson County Fair Association, including 39 years as president. He retired from that role in 2004 and continued his involvement as a board member emeritus. He was also a member of the Bank of Charles Town Board of Directors for 25 years, presiding as chairman during his final year. From 1987 to 2009, he served on the board of Farm Credit.

A natural leader from a young age, J.P. was president of the honor society and president of the Future Farmers of America at Charles Town High School. He was an elder at the Charles Town Presbyterian Church, a member of the South Jefferson Ruritan Club, and gave 52 years of meritorious service to the Jefferson County 4-H program. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was presented with the Distinguished Citizen of Jefferson County Award by The Spirit of Jefferson–Farmer's Advocate in June 2003.

Above all, J.P. was deeply devoted to his family, often placing the needs of others before his own. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Porter Burns and Katherine Childs Burns.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage; his four children: Stephanie Porter Burns Cotterill and husband Steven, and their children Ellie Porter Cotterill and Lucy Porter Cotterill of Charles Town, West Virginia; Mary Katherine Burns and her children Nicholas Maximilian Kianpoor, Lucas Cameron Kianpoor, and Katrina Colette Kianpoor of Malibu, California; John Porter Burns III and wife Elizabeth Caldwell, and their children John Porter Burns IV, Helena Grace Burns, and Locke Wilson Burns of Charles Town, West Virginia; and Bryan Porter Burns and wife Jessica Denny, and their children Amara Porter Burns and Ruby Denny Burns of St. Petersburg, Florida. He is also survived by his brother Richard Burns and wife Denise; his sister Patricia Dick and husband Roy; his brother David Burns and wife Nadia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 1:30 P.M., at the Charles Town Presbyterian Church, 220 E. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV. Interment will follow at Edge Hill Cemetery, 604 Hunter Street, Charles Town, WV 25414.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., on the same date, at his childhood home at Beverly Farm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of J.P. Burns to the Jefferson County Fair Association, Inc. (P.O. Box 653, Ranson, WV 25438), Hospice of the Panhandle (330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430), or to a charity of the donor's choice.