Jim Burns

1953 - 2024

Jim Burns

Feb 20, 1953 - Dec 12, 2024

Jim Burns, 71, passed away on Thursday morning, December 12th, 2024, in Valparaiso, IN. Born February 20, 1953, in Gary, IN, the fourth of five sons to Marie and William Burns Sr. (both deceased). He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Burns; and sister-in-law, Linda Burns.

Jim is survived by his wife, Tiffany Burns; his daughters, Amy (Richard) Finucane and Lindsay (Matt) Llamas; his stepson, Andrew (Brandon) Daniels; his stepdaughter, Grace Rosser; and grandchildren, Carter Finucane, Noah Finucane, Addison Danielson, and Lincoln Llamas. Also surviving are his brothers, Bill Burns and Tim (Laura) Burns; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jim graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana, in 1971. While working full-time in retail, he attended night classes to earn his bachelor's degree from Indiana University, later pursuing a master's degree at Valparaiso University. Jim worked tirelessly at Family Focus for nearly 29 years, helping to build a nonprofit that expanded from serving two counties to eleven, providing prevention and crisis services to families and children across Northern Indiana.

As a divorced father, Jim deeply understood the importance of maintaining a strong and influential relationship with his daughters. He was granted the opportunity to pilot The Nurturing Fathers Program, a men's educational support group for single dads, which brought him great professional and personal satisfaction. The company's success and far-reaching impact were a testament to his passion for his work and his commitment to servant leadership. Jim always remembered how many people and families relied on his courage, strength, and wisdom to persevere.

Jim had many interests, including reading and watching the news to stay informed about current events, both local and global. He enjoyed a wide variety of music, especially jazz and blues, and loved playing golf, mowing his lawn, and planting peppers, tomatoes, and zinnias every year. He marveled at nature and took great joy in tending to the birds and wildlife that called his office and yard home. He was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed his programming package that allowed him to watch multiple games from different markets. Jim's greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. Jim was a warm-hearted, loving, and generous individual. Settling in Chesterton to be closer to his aging parents, he dedicated his life to his family and career. His final act of generosity was to donate any part of his body that could be used to help others.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 28th, at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the family or to: Westchester Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Attn: Richard Maxey, P.O. Box 797, Chesterton, IN 46304 or Porter County Government, Attn: Jennifer Schaafsma, Porter County Animal Shelter, 3355 Bertholet Boulevard, Valparaiso, IN 46383.