Mr. James H. Burns' Obituary
Mr. James (Jim) Haley Martin was born May 12, 1938 in Meridian, MS to Irene Burns and Jimmy D. Martin. Later in life he learned that his legal name was James Haley Burns.
He joined Mount Pleasant Baptist Church at an early age. He was a loving child who adored his mother and she loved him dearly. He attended school at Middleton Attendance Center in Meridian. He found happiness in working at auto shops (Seller's & The Carriage House) detailing vehicles. He even worked for Elvis Presley's family detailing cars and doing odd jobs. His tenor voice could be heard singing with Eddie Franklin Houston, Perry Grant, Louvertis Houston, Calvin Brown, and guitarist Joe Hayes of the "Sensational Spiritualaires" quartet on WQIC-AM in his early adulthood. While David Ruffin of the Temptations was with Motown he came home and Jim accompanied the group singing at a gig in Hattiesburg, MS.
He united in holy matrimony with Evelyn Virginia Hill. He is the father of three boys and four girls.
He transcended from this life into Glory on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Diversicare of Meridian-Nursing Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. We also remember his brother Leslie Martin.
His memory shall forever glow in the hearts of his paternal aunt Lula Mae Haynes, maternal aunt Edith Pedigrew, and sister Synthia Dean of Chicago, IL; wife, Evelyn Virginia Martin; sons, Michael James Martin, Larry Wayne Martin, William Curt Martin all of Meridian, MS; daughters, Earthie Wyvon Fluker (Charlie) and Carolyn Evonne Powe (Jerome) of Meridian, MS, LaTisha Michelle Hunt (Robert)of Jackson, MS, Telsa McKinstry (Samuel) of Aliceville, AL; a niece, La Toya Andrew Dean of Chicago, IL; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren relatives and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
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