To his family and friends, he was known as “Big Guy”. For someone who lived a life full of big moments, his nickname fit him perfectly. James Franklin Burnham, “Big Guy”, age 81, passed away October 6, 2023. Jim was born April 21, 1942, in St. Joseph, Missouri to Gilbert and Frances (Beasley) Burnham. On September 1, 1962, Jim married Janeen Holdeman in Kansas City, Missouri and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage.
Jim graduated from Central High School in 1960, then attended William Jewell College where he played football. After graduation in 1964, Jim settled in St. Joseph where he began his successful career in the insurance industry and retired as president of the firm with offices in St. Joseph and Kansas City.
Jim’s well-lived life included service throughout St. Joseph on numerous boards and committees. He was instrumental in fundraising efforts for United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri to expand facilities and programs. He was especially proud to be the founder of the Young Life Club at Lafayette High School with Janeen, and for many years served as chairman of the Young Life Committee in St. Joseph. Young Life’s mission is that every kid deserves to hear the greatest love story ever told, and Jim made sure as many kids as possible heard the story of Jesus. He was an active member of Brookdale Church and served many years in various roles.
Jim took care of people in his own special way which included bringing chocolate malts to family and friends on special occasions and driving those who couldn’t drive to appointments. He quietly volunteered his time taking care of others and shared his witty sense of humor and practical jokes to anyone who would listen. Jim also entertained kids with magic shows and tricks at events and parties and loved to make everyone smile and laugh. His one-liners were legendary and Big was quoted often by his family and friends.
His love of the outdoors included quail and duck hunting, fishing, golfing and skiing. He was a member of the Waterfowlers Hall of Fame and was a proud founder of Greenhead Farm. Jim also loved playing cards throughout St. Joseph with his card buddies.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gilbert Lee "Buzz" Burnham. Survivors include his wife, Janeen; his children, Kelly (Rob) Starr, Andy (Sarah) Burnham and Tim (Erin) Burnham, and Jim’s brother, Monty (Wendy) Burnham; grandchildren, Sam (Kenzi) Starr, Mack (Abigail) Starr, Otis and Brecklynn Burnham, Charlie Burnham; and great-granddaughter, Selah Starr, whom he adored.
John 16:22 states, “…now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” The family will gather with friends for visitation on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Brookdale Church, 203 S. 31st Street, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life service with Public Livestream will follow at 3 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
