James Burris

James Edward Burris, 74, passed away Sept. 10, 2018, at his home in Waco.

Mr. Burris was born March 14, 1944, in Hamilton to James Jefferson and Emma Speiker Burris.

He graduated from Hamilton High School and Cisco Junior College where he played football and graduated with an associates degree in agriculture. He later attended Texas Tech University.

On Aug, 14, 1971, he married Marjorie Helms. Together they raised Marjorie’s two sons, Jeral DeHaan and Ron DeHaan. He was a wonderful father and grandfather to his four grandchildren. Many hours were spent together fishing on Lake Mexia and enjoying the beach at South Padre Island.

Much of his career was as a leak specialist for Lone Star Gas in Waco. Here he was loved and appreciated by friends who called him “Bull.” Later when his son began to work there, he became known as “Little Bull.”

James and Marjorie were longtime members of Central United Methodist Church. Throughout those years he worked as facilities supervisor. Regardless of how early you arrived at church, he was already there and greeted with his trademark, “Good evening.”

He enjoyed hunting at the deer lease with family and friends, and after retirement, he and Marjorie enjoyed taking cruises.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Helms Burris; stepsons Jeral DeHaan and Ron DeHaan and wife Ruby; grandchildren Jennifer, Ann, Holly and Nicholas; great-grandson Lane; sisters Jean McAdams and Mary Nell Smith; a niece; and four nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Central UMC, Waco.

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