John "Jack" Corbett Burns, Sr.

     Death comes like the birth of a baby, when it’s time. Birth, death, sleep, and healing, each comes with its own time. Whatever comes, we can trust that we are in the hands of a God that loves us.  

    John “Jack” Corbett Burns, Sr., 97, having lived a long and wonderful life passed gently to his eternal rest on Monday (Memorial Day), May 26, 2025 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.

    He was born October 23, 1927 in Brunswick County to Curtius C. Burns and Olga Corbett Burns. In addition to his parents Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Sue Lennon Burns; son, George B. Burns; grandson, William Ryan Burns; sisters, Nancy B. Ponivas and Anne M. Burns; brothers, William C. “Bill” Burns and James “Jimmy” T. Burns.

     Jack is survived by his sons, John C. Burns, Jr. and wife, Kris and Edwin C. Burns and wife, Ramona; daughter, Dorothy “Dottie” Sue Burns and husband, George “Butch” E. Conklin; grandchildren, John C. Burns III (Jess), Courtney A. Burns, and Sarah L. Burns (Peyton Boyce), and Samuel Burns; great grandchildren, Avery Burns, Aiden Burns, and another baby Burns on the way; sister, Marguerite B. Culbreth (Ken); many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

     Jack served honorably in the US Army, serving in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He received a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.

     For many years Jack attended both Caswell Presbyterian Church and Black River Presbyterian Church, the church he grew up in. Jack served as a deacon and an elder in Caswell Presbyterian Church. After many years of service Jack retired from General Electric Company in Castle Hayne. Jack was a part time farmer, farming tobacco, cucumbers, corn and a large vegetable garden. Jack instilled the value of hard work in his children by strongly encouraging them to help barn tobacco, pick cucumbers, and whatever needed to be done on the farm.  Jack owned an old well used  John Deere tractor that he had completely restored just like brand new. It was a prized possession!

     Most of all Jack loved and cared for his family. Jack was known for his hard work ethic, wisdom, good sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and for his great devotion to his family, loyalty to his friends, and faithful service to his church and community.

     The funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Black River Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. Martha Highsmith conducting the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation with family will follow after committal service at cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial gift to Black River Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1, Ivanhoe, NC 28447 in honor and memory of Jack.                

     Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

     A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw, NC.

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