James Leroy “Jim” Burris

March 25, 1941 – Jan. 17, 2024
James L. Burris, 82, fulfilled his life at Worland Healthcare and Rehab, Jan. 17, 2024. “Grandpa” Jim was born in Worland March 25, 1941, and was the only child born to Roy and Eunice (Chappell) Burris. Jim was raised on Orchard Bench Road near Manderson, Wyo., where he and his father also tended a farm. He attended Manderson School District from youth to high school graduation in 1960. He became an avid member of the Big Horn County Fair and FFA programs. Jim attributed his growth in FFA to his showing of Jersey and Angus cattle, and also sheep, along with his duties as Sentinel. On Sept. 9, 1963, he married Kitty (Maxwell) Gibson. Within his adult years, his pride of work was shown through his passionate caring of lawns in and around the southern Big Horn County areas.
During his four years at Worland Healthcare and Rehab, he enjoyed spending a large amount of time and passion creating paintings, all of which brought his family joy. After a strenuous bout with Covid, he explained to family his experiences of near-death. Jim brought back memories of joy, coming from the meeting with his parents and with God, all of whom explained to him, “It was not my time,” and “There is still work left to be done.” He went on to color, paint and create his pride of paintings, all of which were gifted to the staff and other friends he had made during his stay at Worland Rehab.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Roy and Eunice, granddaughter, Charlee Alcaraz Thompson, and his loving partner of fifteen years, Nadene.
Jim is survived by his loving children: Lee (Barbara) Burris, of Sinclair, Wyo., Mary (Faustino) Alcaraz of Morris, Ill., Patricia (Milo) Vega of Worland, Wyo.; his loving grandchildren including, Jacob (Kimberly) Alcaraz, Robert (Angela) Salinas, Vince (Shyanne) Salinas, Faustino (Shanna) Alcaraz, Natasha “My Tasha” (Andrew) Vega, Emiliano Vega III, Liam Burris; along with 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel in Worland. Interment followed at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Activities Department and sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401.
Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfurneralhomeonline.com.