Roll Call Tribute

Michael Lee Burns, II 

August 6, 1972 - August 29, 2025 

Michael Lee Burns II, born August 6th, 1972, in El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully from a heart attack during the night of August 29th, 2025 (August 28th, 2025 in the Western Hemisphere), while in Shanghai, China, with his beloved wife Jill by his side. Though Mike was in perfectly good health, the Lord had other plans for him and decided to usher him into his heavenly home early at the age of 53.

The son of Michael Burns I (deceased) and Pat Zane, Mike fathered three wonderful children with his wife Jill—Tanner, Noah, and Zoe Burns—and is also survived by his younger brother, Tucker Burns. His family is proud to bear his last name and will forever remember Mike as the best dad, husband, brother, and friend anyone could ever ask for. Mike loved each of his family and countless others with the undying love of his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his family speaks of how his life was worth hundreds of years rather than merely 53. The sheer impact, love, and care Mike displayed toward others over his short time on earth can be quantified by none other than God alone.

Mike was a man of immense joy and passion. When he had time to himself, you could find him fly fishing in mountain rivers, golfing across the world, and listening to audio books. Nevertheless, his true passion was for others. As Co-Founder and Master Coach at Adaptive Leaders, Mike spent thousands of hours investing in the lives of global business leaders and executives, helping them to not only grow their professional performance but also to become better parents, friends, spouses, and individuals.

Furthermore, many around the world consider Mike their spiritual father and mentor. Mike prayed diligently for those in his life, especially his family, and wanted every person he came into contact with to know of his Savior's love. Whether in a zoom meeting, church pew, or airplane aisle, Mike's faith compelled him to sacrificially lay down his life for neighbor and stranger alike. Though Mike is now at home with Christ above, the fruit of his life is present here below like a glimpse into heaven's window and will endure unto eternity.