James Derry Burns, Jr.

James Derry Burns, Jr., 75, of Macon, Georgia, passed away on August 19, 2025. The family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Hart’s at the Cupola. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, followed by a private burial at Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Burns was born in Macon on October 8, 1949, to the late James Derry Burns, Sr. and Hazel Holmes Burns. Derry was a graduate of Stratford Academy's class of 1969, where he was a member of the Sedarmoc fraternity. He went on to study at Mercer University, where he earned a degree in Business with a minor in English in 1974. While attending Mercer, Derry was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and went on to serve as past president of the KA Macon Alumni Association.

Throughout his life, Derry demonstrated a commitment to service and community. His dedication to community service was displayed through his leadership as the past president of the Kiwanis Club in Macon, where he worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of children and families in his community. Derry also gave generously of his time to Scouting, serving as the Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Chairman of Troop 5 of the Boys Scouts of America. Additionally, he served on the Board of the Georgia Industrial Children's Home and was a distinguished member of the Society of Cincinnati, Georgia Chapter, where he helped preserve and promote historic and patriotic traditions.

In his final act of service, Mr. Burns continued his legacy of generosity by choosing to be an organ donor, ensuring that his impact on others would endure even after his passing.

Mr. Burns is survived by his wife of 54 years, Juliette Smith Burns of Macon; son, Derry Burns III (Mary Hope) of Dallas, Texas ; daughter, Allison Gummer (Steve) of Lancaster, South Carolina; son, Matthew Parker Burns (Lucerica) of Penn Valley, California; grandchildren: Parker Burns, William Burns, Anna Burns, Aiden Gummer, Liam Gummer, and Maria Burns; sister, Hazel Struby (Neil) of Gray, Georgia; and four nieces and a nephew.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Burns was preceded in death by his sister, Catharine Liles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 753 College St, Macon, GA 31201 or Lifelink Legacy Fund.lifelinkfoundation.org/contribute 

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.