James Burden

James S. Burden, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at his Florida home on October 8, 2026.

Born on August 20, 1945, and raised in New Albany, Indiana, Jim lived a life full of deep devotion. A member of Lanesville Christian Church, he loved Jesus, his family, and his friends. He was profoundly loved by everyone who knew him. True snowbirds, he and his wife spent winters in Florida and summers in Indiana, returning to the family home in Georgetown that he built in 1983.

On April 10, 1965, he married the love of his life, Janet Walts. For 61 wonderful years, they built a beautiful life together.

Growing up beside his father in the family gas station and repair shop, Jim developed a lifelong fascination with classic cars.

He was also a natural musician who played the guitar, piano, and steel guitar. He even invented his own specialized steel guitar tone bar known as Bullet Bars.

Whether he was out on the water, camping, or building the ultimate bonfire (always accentuated by his trusty, nearby bottle of lighter fluid), Jim loved the outdoors.

He also shared a special bond with dogs, who naturally gravitated to him, a love he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Surviving Family:

Wife: Janet Burden

Children: Joy (Wade) Simon, Cricket Burden (Brenda Klapko), and Jeni (Greg) Wiseman

Grandchildren: Jessie (Justin) Ballou, Jackie (Leon) Roberts, Matthew Olsen, Casey (Ashley) Simon, Lexi (Divesh) Naidu-Wiseman, Seth Burden, Jason Burden, and Noah Wiseman

Great-Grandchildren: 7

Sisters: Denise (Walt) Goodman and Leah Early (David Kruse)

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Norma Burden, his brother, Mike Burden, and his in-laws, Glenn and Irene Walts.

Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home in Georgetown is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be held at Gehlbach and Royse Funeral Home in Georgetown, IN on Wednesday October 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with the funeral services starting at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be made to Gulfside Health Service (2061 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes FL 3463).