1949
James
2022
James H. Burns, Jr.
January 17, 1949 — May 9, 2022
Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Tuesday, May 17 from 4-7pm. The funeral will be held from Brandon Funeral Home on Wednesday with a Mass at 10am in Saint Leo’s Church, 108 Main St., Leominster. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to The Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation c/o Clinton Savings Bank 200 Church St., Clinton, MA 01510 Attn: Josh Thibodeau Helping Hands Foundation.
Jim was a loving and generous father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
James H. Burns, Jr., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 9, at the age of 73 at his home in Leominster.
Jim was born in Leominster on January 17, 1949, a son of the late James H. and Beatrice (Andrews) Burns, Sr. He graduated from Saint Bernards High School in 1967 and went on to receive a Bachelors of Education from Worcester State College and a Masters of Education from Fitchburg State. Jim was proud to serve his country in the National Guard.
Jim began his career at the Board of Health in Fitchburg. He was a devoted educator for 35 years, teaching at St. Bernard’s and Johnny Appleseed Elementary Schools, before becoming the Vice Principal at Johnny Appleseed Elementary School. Jim was actively involved within the school community; coaching sports, planning school events and fundraisers, and serving on the PTO. He retired after a very fulfilling career in 2012.
In his retirement years, Jim found a new hobby working for Boston Harbor Cruises. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, attending his grandkids sporting events and hobbies, traveling, and was an avid walker.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Stacey Burns and her husband Kevin Edge and their sons Logan and Landon of Saunderstown, RI; Erin Blackburn and her husband Zack and their children Abigail and Chase of Upton, MA; former wife and mother of his children, Wanda Burns of Lancaster; two brothers, Richard Burns of Hubbardston and Michael Burns and his wife Michelle of Westminster; partner Cynthia O’Brien of Gardner, MA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his twin sister Judy Burns.
Jim was a loving and generous father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
James H. Burns, Jr., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 9, at the age of 73 at his home in Leominster.
Jim was born in Leominster on January 17, 1949, a son of the late James H. and Beatrice (Andrews) Burns, Sr. He graduated from Saint Bernards High School in 1967 and went on to receive a Bachelors of Education from Worcester State College and a Masters of Education from Fitchburg State. Jim was proud to serve his country in the National Guard.
Jim began his career at the Board of Health in Fitchburg. He was a devoted educator for 35 years, teaching at St. Bernard’s and Johnny Appleseed Elementary Schools, before becoming the Vice Principal at Johnny Appleseed Elementary School. Jim was actively involved within the school community; coaching sports, planning school events and fundraisers, and serving on the PTO. He retired after a very fulfilling career in 2012.
In his retirement years, Jim found a new hobby working for Boston Harbor Cruises. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, attending his grandkids sporting events and hobbies, traveling, and was an avid walker.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Stacey Burns and her husband Kevin Edge and their sons Logan and Landon of Saunderstown, RI; Erin Blackburn and her husband Zack and their children Abigail and Chase of Upton, MA; former wife and mother of his children, Wanda Burns of Lancaster; two brothers, Richard Burns of Hubbardston and Michael Burns and his wife Michelle of Westminster; partner Cynthia O’Brien of Gardner, MA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by his twin sister Judy Burns.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James H. Burns, Jr., please visit our flower store.
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