Saracen Casino CFO Jim Burns dies after golf cart accident at Pine Bluff Country Club
James “Jim” Burns, chief financial officer of Saracen Casino and Resort, died at age 58 after a golf cart accident at Pine Bluff Country Club, police and the coroner confirmed.
James “Jim” Burns, the chief financial officer of Saracen Casino and Resort, has died following a golf cart accidentat the Pine Bluff Country Club in Arkansas, authorities confirmed. Burns was 58 years old at the time of his death.
Burns’ sudden passing has shocked colleagues, tribal partners and the Arkansas gaming community, where he was widely respected for his leadership and contributions to the state’s casino industry.
Accident Details and Response
According to local authorities and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Burns was involved in an accident on Thursday, January 8, 2026, when the golf cart he was riding overturned on top of him at the Pine Bluff Country Club.
He was transported to Jefferson Regional Hospital for treatment following the incident. Despite medical efforts, Burns was pronounced dead on Friday morning.
Investigators from the coroner’s office have indicated that Burns’ body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to clarify the exact cause of death.
Career and Legacy
Burns was not only the CFO of Saracen Casino and Resort, a major gaming destination in Arkansas operated in partnership with the Quapaw Nation, but also a well-known figure in the broader gaming industry.
In 2025, he was featured in Arkansas Money & Politics as the “Face of Arkansas Gaming,” reflecting his long record of success in finance, operational leadership and strategic vision within the industry.
Burns’ professional background included:
- An undergraduate degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and certification as a CPA.
- An MBA and specialized executive development training in strategic leadership in gaming.
- A career spanning leadership roles at several gaming organizations, culminating in his role at Saracen beginning in 2020.
He was widely seen as a driving force in the casino’s growth and in fostering strong relationships between the Quapaw Nation, local communities and industry partners.
Community Reaction and Impact
Tributes are beginning to emerge from colleagues, tribal leaders and community members who knew Burns personally and professionally. His leadership was credited with helping to elevate Saracen Casino’s financial performance, community engagement and regional economic impact.
Burns is survived by his wife, Lisa, their five adult children, and four grandchildren. Memorial details have not yet been announced, but friends and family have begun honoring his legacy on social media and within industry circles.
A Leader Remembered
The sudden and tragic death of Jim Burns has left a palpable void in Arkansas’ gaming community and at Saracen Casino and Resort.
As investigations continue and an autopsy is completed, colleagues and loved ones are reflecting on a career marked by fiscal acumen, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to the communities he served.
Burns’ contributions helped shape the success of one of the region’s largest gaming enterprises and fostered strong partnerships across tribal, business and local government lines. His passing is mourned by many who recognized him for both his professional achievements and his personal generosity.
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