James “Jim” Allen Burrows

James “Jim” Allen Burrows

Cedar Rapids

James “Jim” Allen Burrows, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Cottage Grove Place. The family will receive friends at Cottage Grove Place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on July 11.

Jim was born on Aug. 27, 1938, in St. Joseph, Mich., the son of James and Bernice Burrows. He graduated from St. Joseph High School and continued his education at Western Michigan. Jim left Western Michigan to serve his country in the United States Army. After serving, he transferred to and then graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., where he met the love of his life, Kaye Birkland. Jim and Kaye married on April 22, 1967, in Chicago, Ill. Several jobs moved them throughout the Midwest, but they finally settled on Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jim was a proud and hard-working small business owner, and he and Kaye owned and operated Plaza Paint & Supplies in Cedar Rapids for over 25 years.

Family and friends were very important to Jim. His children and grandchildren were the focus of the later years of his life. He spent as much time as he could attending his grandchildren’s basketball, soccer and hockey games. Jim was a devoted husband, father and Papa who gave of himself without hesitation and whose easy nature and sense of humor brought joy to our lives. He was very involved with the Optimist Club and especially enjoyed putting up American flags around the city on Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. He also enjoyed volunteering at local golf courses where he always had a smile on his face and joke at the ready. He and Kaye had a very close group of friends and always looked forward to card nights, cocktail parties, golf trips and attending local events together.

Jim is survived by his son, Brent (Kristi) of Orono, Minn.; his daughter, Danielle (Dustin) Kern of Marion; and grandchildren, Kyler and Hagen Burrows of Orono, Minn., and Davis and Dreya Kern of Marion, Iowa; his brothers Lee Burrows of San Antonio, Texas, and William (Bill) Burrows of St. Joseph, Mich. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Eleanor Kaye Burrows; and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.