KEWANEE, Ill.—
Former Kewanee, Illinois mayor Jim Burns was known as a family man who loved his community, in which he served as mayor for more than a decade."His family was first, his grandchildren, his daughter, they were number one in Jim's eyes," said Robert Kuntz, a friend of Burns.
Burns, 71, was killed Wednesday near Geneseo, Illinois. Police say his truck collided head-on with another pickup pulling a trailer, along Highway 6. Burns was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It's a big loss for the community, said Kuntz. "Jim knew everybody. Everybody knew Jim."
Kuntz came upon the crash Wednesday afternoon. He had seen Burns earlier in the day headed towards Burger King for his morning coffee.
"As odd as it seems, I had to go over to Colona and it was about 2:00, 2:30 down Highway 6," said Kuntz. "And I saw all the Sheriff's department motioning me to go another direction and I knew there was a bad accident. And I had no idea at that time it was Mr. Burns."
In his 12 years as mayor, friends say Burns was a respected politician. They say he helped to develop Kewanee's economy, bringing industry and jobs.
"He didn't think of himself. He thought about the community first and trying to put their needs first," said Nancy Sutton, a Kewanee business owner.
Former Kewanee City Manager John Kolata remembers Jim for his work with the public.
"He had a... Jim had a lot of patience with the folks that spoke in front of him and he'll be remembered for that I'm sure."
The names of the two men in the other truck have not been released. They both refused treatment at the scene. A cause of the crash remains under investigation.
