Heaven gained an exceptional storyteller with the peaceful passing of James Owen "Jim" Burgess, age 95, on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Jim will be lovingly remembered by Ruth Henson, his children, Linda, Jim Jr., and Joni, Ruth's children, Susan, Michael, and Vickie, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim never met a stranger always asking "What brought you to Blowing Rock?" He loved Auburn, music and sports. Words from his favorite song encapsulate Jim's life, "I did it my way." A service of witness to the resurrection and celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, June 18th at 3:00 at Rumple Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Rumple Presbyterian Church Pastor's Discretionary Fund, PO Box 393, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Online condolences may be shared with the Burgess family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Burgess family.