James Henry "Jim" Burris, age 96, of Odessa, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at his home.

He was born February 9, 1929, in rural Johnson County, MO, to Lewis Uel and Neva (Hedgecock) Burris.

Jim was a lifelong farmer. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Pythias in Odessa, the Elks Lodge #673 in Warrensburg, and the Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War era, from May 1951 to December 1952. Stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado, he trained and worked as a Central Office Operator and Wire Lineman, supporting vital communications for military operations. During his service, he earned several commendations, including the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Jim is survived by his close friend, Mike Calhoon, and several cousins and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, William "Bill" Burris and Uel Francis Burris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 3, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home with Chaplain John Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Troy Matthews, Tony Matthews, Robert Simmons, Dana Calhoon, Jerry Shier, and Tom Robbins. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Ferguson, Mike Calhoon, Galen Harmon, Steven Robbins, and Larry Kinchloe.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the West Central Missouri Veteran Assistance League and left in care of the funeral home.