James Burns

We were sad to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing, and Pam & I will send along our condolences to Aunt Lorraine and the family in this note and through Linda at the services tomorrow. It is hard to believe that now all the Burns boys and girls are resting in peace. Weren’t we all fortunate to have one for one of our parents? I think so. When I reflect on their lives and the families they raised, I can see how each in their own way modeled and passed along some really good values (be a hard worker, do your best, be a responsible & good person, celebrate family). Not to mention also passing long some of those great Celtic genes. I have fond early memories of Uncle Jim and his big family, at those Christmas parties (oh, my!), during visits to his house to play with Pat (when more than once I saw him next to Lorraine on the couch reading poetry) , and especially during visits for birthday parties with Frank & Mary in their later years (when I heard from him tales about walking home from school with band instruments, and exciting visits to Richmond Park, and the early Burns Brothers painters. Aunt Lorraine, I remember that you were always so gracious and lovely and smiling at Jim’s side, which showed that you two were so special together. We will surely miss him, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

- Dan (& Pam) Burns

Dear Aunt Lorraine and cousins, I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing this past Sunday. My heart goes out to all of you. I still miss Mom and Dad (Frank & Mary Catherine), and I know this is a heartbreak and a challenge for all of you. And I miss Aunt Terry, who has been in heaven almost a year now. I am sure she was thrilled to meet her dear brother James there on his arrival, but that comforting thought doesn't make it any easier this side of heaven because it is such a loss for you all. My condolences and prayers are with you. My husband, Michael, and I are traveling to Grand Rapids later this week, but are unable to change it to as early as Wed. because of his church commitments in Cheboygan. I am sorry we will not be in attendance at the funeral Mass, but I would have been if we could have left a day earlier. Please know that my heart will be with you on that day!

- Trish Konieczny (Patti Burns, daughter of Frank Jr