James Poplin "Jim" Burns died on August 16, 2013, the anniversary of his 84th birthday, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Burns was a native of Rockvale and was the son of the late, Horace Horatio and Annie Lee Watson Burns. Mr. Burns is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Alice Marie Rushing Burns as well as five children: Pamela Marie Burns, James William Burns and his wife Maribeth, Sandra Jane Provow and her husband Tom, Russell Lee Burns and his wife Allison and Penelope Ann Ward and her husband Donny. Mr. Burns is survived by one brother, Norman Osborne Burns and his wife Olene. He also had 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three brothers, Sammy Lee Burns, George Thomas Burns and Horace Warner Burns, and one sister, Bobbie Edna Trail. First and foremost, Mr. Burns was a follower of Jesus Christ and sought to live every aspect of his life consistent with the tenants of his Christian faith. In addition to pouring his faith and life into his family, he lived this out as a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Additionally, he was a 32-degree Mason and a member of the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge. Mr. Burns was born and raised in Eagleville/Rockvale area and graduated from Rockvale High School where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school he began his journey in the profession of commercial construction as a laborer, but through hard work and determination worked his way through the ranks and ultimately owned his own company. His rise in the construction industry was put on hold when Mr. Burns spent two years in the United States Army during the Korean War. This service included a tour in Japan as part of the Army Signal Corp supporting the effort in Korea. Once he received his honorable discharge from the Army, Mr. Burns worked for Volunteer Construction Company, first as an accomplished carpenter then project superintendent. It was at that time that he was given the opportunity to learn the business side of the industry. This led to his becoming a partner in L. L. Poe Construction Company, which built commercial structures throughout the state. A few of the area projects include: University Center at both MTSU and Tennessee Tech; headquarters addition/renovation of State Farm Insurance; Bellwood Elementary School; Brentwood Middle School; Page High School. Mr. Burns then spent several years as Director of Construction for Hospital Corporation of America, personally overseeing the construction of HCA facilities across the country. After retiring from HCA, Mr. Burns kept active in the business he loved by developing properties. Georgetown Park was a personal joy for him. It was in this retail development that he finished his professional career. While he was a co-owner of the property, his real passion was getting to know his tenants...or as he would say ittaking care of his trusted friends. Upon his retirement his greatest joys were loving his wife and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Burns family would like to thank the staff of the Alvin C. York Veterans Hospital Hospice unit for the loving and tender care he was provided during the last days on this earth. They are also grateful to Carolyn, Elizabeth and all the other home care staff from @Home Health Care for the assistance they provided at this critical time. Visitation with the family will be held at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro on Sunday, August 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Murfreesboro on Monday, August 19 at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be grandsons Captain Andy Hocker, Spencer Provow and Tyler Burns, nephews Wayne Burns, Dr. Tom Johns, Bobby McNeil, Bucky Phillips, and Todd Rushing, sons-in-law Tom Provow and Donny Ward, as well as trusted friend Thomas Malonee. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you make a donation to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, Veterans Hospital Hospice Unit, Murfreesboro or Calvary Baptist Church in Murfreesboro.