James Melvin "Jim" Black, 87, longtime resident of Burlington, Kansas, passed away Thursday night, October 27, 2022, at his home.

He was born September 21, 1935, at Burlington, the son of Harold and Dortha (Alexander) Black. Jim went to grade school at Venard country school north of Burlington. While growing up he helped his dad work on cars at his auto body shop and farmed. Jim graduated from Burlington High School in 1953.

On November 17, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Frances Elaine Steward, they were married at the Waverly Baptist Church. They lived in Lawrence for a brief time before moving to rural Burlington.

His sister Virginia started racing horses and Jim helped her and trained the horses. He went with her to all the races. They both owned Thoroughbred horses named Sis Hutty and Knee Pat as well as others. They were winning lots of races but on July 13th, 1963, Virginia was injured during a race that ended her Jockey career. Jim continued racing horses for another year before quitting. Jim and Frances had a custom harvest business from 1966 to 1977, he worked at Wolf Creek power plant as a carpenter and then owned his own business doing carpentry work before retiring.

Jim was a member of the House of Praise church and always enjoyed his church family. He also enjoyed drinking coffee with all his friends.

Jim was also a huge Kansas City Royals and KU Basketball fan, hardly ever missed watching a game.

He loved his six grandsons and going to all their activities while they were growing up and later getting to enjoy his four great grandkids. He loved spending time with his family and friends. His family and friends will miss him dearly.

His wife, Frances, preceded him in death on October 27, 2017.

He leaves his children, Monica Finlayson and husband Jeff, Marty Black and wife Pam, and Carmen Francis and husband Dee, all of Burlington; six grandchildren, Corey Finlayson (Courtney) and Casey Finlayson (Sally), both of Burlington, Trent Black, Ottawa, KS, Justin Black (Abbie), Topeka, and Jeremy Black, Burlington, and Jordan Black, Wichita, KS; four great-grandchildren, Abby and Jase Finlayson and Clara and Henry Finlayson; his sister, Virginia David, Burlington; many other relatives and friends.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held 10:30 A.M. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington. Inurnment will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Jones Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the House of Praise Church and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.

The service will be streamed on Facebook Live at this link: www.facebook.com/jonesfuneralhomeburlingtonks