James R. “Jim” Burt, 83, of Dahlonega, died June 23, 2018.

Born Nov. 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.  He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

His brothers, Hayne Lee Burt, Bobby Burt; sister, Lillie Bell Burt; and granddaughters, April Gwen Sims and Ashley Marie Burt, preceded him in death.

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

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 27 in the 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 received friends from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. June 26 at the funeral home.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.