Deacon Jim Burns, a long-time resident of Monroe, died Monday, Nov. 29, 2021. He was 78 years old.
He was born on July 3, 1943, in the Bronx, and he was the youngest of two children.
After graduating from Archbishop Molloy High School, Jim entered the seminary at Marist College to pursue his calling to serve God as a Marist Brother. However, his path to serve God would later take a different journey as a Deacon.
Jim entered Local 3 IBEW in 1961 to begin his apprenticeship as an electrician in the “A” division. He served in the Air National Guard for six years.
He met and then married the love of his life, Clare Burns (nee) Cleary on Sept. 10, 1966. He was employed as an electrician for 43 years in New York City, including most of his career working for Arc Electrical Corp and Forest Electric at the World Trade Center.
Jim was ordained as a Deacon on May 14, 1988, with the Archdiocese of New York and served Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church and its community for 16 years.
Jim continued to serve as a Deacon with the Diocese of Portland at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fryeburg, Maine, until 2019. He enjoyed serving the Lord and spending time with his loving family. Deacon Jim was known affectionately as “Papa” to his family. Jim loved good food and Irish music. He also had a great sense of humor with a quick wit. Jim had lots of fun with his grandchildren while making wonderful memories and spending time with family.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Margaret Burns (nee) Walsh and Thomas Burns, and his sister Geraldine.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Clare; five sons and twelve grandchildren: James Burns, his wife Jill, his daughter Samantha and his son Jake; Thomas Burns, his wife Laura, his son Declan and his daughter, Erica; Christopher Burns, his wife Wendy, his son Aidan and his daughters Elena, Keira and Gracie; Kevin Burns, his wife Lori, his daughter Riley and his son Jack; and Patrick Burns, his wife Denise, his son Brendan and his daughter Harper. Jim is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Jim was loved by all who knew him and will be truly missed. His wisdom, kind words and guidance helped countless people over his lifetime.
Visitation was held Dec. 5 at Flynn Funeral and Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., located at 139 Stage Road in Monroe.
A Funeral Mass was held Dec. 6 at Sacred Heart R.C. Church, located at 26 Still Road in Monroe.
Interment will be held privately at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests donations to please be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society- Rebels for a Cure link below https://gofund.me/c9a9b565.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas & Brendan Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc.