James "Jim" Burrows

TRAVERSE CITY — James "Jim" William Burrows, 61, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long courageous battle with cancer, on Monday, June 27, 2011, at the Munson Hospice House. Jim was born June 26, 1950, to Alice and Fred Burrows in Petoskey. He attended the University of Michigan for three years trying to decide what to do with his life. He also briefly studied at Northwestern Michigan College in the nursing program but decided that nursing really wasn't his forté.Jim also worked in the gas and oil exploration field in this area but he ended up doing what made him happy — he was a skilled tile and stone craftsman and the owner of Peninsula Tile. He learned his craft from a friend who was the manager of a carpet and tile store in Grand Rapids.After briefly living in the Grand Rapids area, Jim moved back to Traverse City and eventually settled to live on the Old Mission Peninsula, where he has called this home for almost 40 years.Jim's business has flourished by just word of mouth and he has never had to place a single advertisement. His craftsmanship speaks for itself, and is enjoyed in many homes in the Traverse City area. This skilled craftsman will be missed by many who knew him and his diligent attention to detail. On June 11, 2011, Jim married Patricia Ann Marie Taylor at the Munson Hospice House. Their dream of becoming husband and wife was fulfilled and, even though it only lasted 16 days, their love spans over an eternity, because it is a once-in-a-lifetime love. They shared almost 11 wonderful years together with abundant blessings and love for each other.Jim is survived by his loving wife Patricia, along with his stepchildren Kristin (Joseph) Reardon, Caitlin Cox and his beloved pet cat "Foster." He was preceded in death by his father, Fred. He also leaves behind his loving mother Alice; brothers John (Vickie), Steve (Amy) and David (Mary); and his nephew Tyler along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.Jim's love for gardening was known by all who knew him, and feasting on the bounty from the garden brought Jim pleasure. He was an excellent chef and host for many gatherings, even if it was only for an intimate gathering for two. Jim knew how to say just the right thing, and help those in adversity even if they didn't ask for it. His heart was filled with joy and yearning for the next plan to emerge and to be successfully executed.He has touched so many lives through his craftsmanship, gardening, cooking, wine pairings and great conversations. He was a gentle giant, with a smile to beat all smiles ... saying our goodbyes will be hard, but they will be filled with love for a man who loved without boundaries, lived a healthy hard-working lifestyle, and who chose to adhere to his dreams through adversity when fighting for his life. Through death Jim taught us to give it your all, and strength is in the love that we share among family and friends.God bless you, Jim Burrows ... you are loved and you will be missed. You will remain in our hearts, you are my heart!A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 1, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with a visitation held one hour prior.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim's name to be made out to The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, 4813 St. Elmo Ave. Bethesda MD 20814. Please view Jim's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.