James R. “Jim” Burt, 83, of Dahlonega passed away Saturday June 23, 2018 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a brief illness.
Born November 22, 1934 in Dawson County to the late Rob and Sally Burt, he lived in the Dawson, Forsyth and Lumpkin County area all his life. He was currently a resident of Gold City Assisted Living in Dahlonega and loved the Dawsonville and Dahlonega area with all his heart and soul. This is where his life began and this is where he wanted it to expire and rest. Back in the early days he carried on the tradition of his father and became a moonshiner. If anyone should ask, he was a farmer. One federal judge referred to him as a professional moonshiner, a title which he was quite proud of. He loved to tell the stories over and over again. He could make the best sausage gravy and biscuits ever, and he loved to prepare and feed the family when the opportunity arose. He loved the old time way of farming, hog killing and raising cattle. He never lost his dream of having the strength to pursue those things again. Jim retired from Fieldale Farms and was formerly employed by North Georgia Rendering. A member of Bethel Baptist Church, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Hayne Lee Burt, Bobby Burt; sister, Lillie Bell Burt; and granddaughters, April Gwen Sims and Ashley Marie Burt.

Surviving are his children, Jo Ann and J. B. Sims, Summerdale, AL, Angela and George Close, Foley, AL, Robin Sikes, Foley, AL, Regina Gatlin, Foley, AL, Robert and Amy Burt, Elberta, AL, Steve Burt, Foley, AL, Chris and Ashley Gilreath, Gainesville; sisters, Floy Sheffield, Winder, Ruby Crane, Duluth; brother and sister in law, Mike and Ellen Burt, Dawsonville; 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews and a host of friends who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 27, 2018 at 11 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Ruel Martin and Rev. J. B. Sims will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.