Jeffrey Lee Burns

Virginia Beach - Jeffrey Lee Burns was born on Aug. 3, 1952 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Frank and Shirley Burns. He died on June 2, 2015 surrounded by his family and friends. He spent his summers on the family dairy farm in Rogers City, Michigan and loved the hard work and connection to nature.

Jeff was in the first graduating class at Kempsville High School. He was a Vietnam War veteran serving in the Air Force. He worked on the boats on the Great Lakes and loved the rugged landscape.

He was an avid gardener, camper, hiker, fly fisherman and kayaker. Some of his best hours were spent kayaking with his children and camping with friends. He loved animals, especially his beloved basset hounds.

He received his undergraduate degree in history and philosophy and his master's degree in Social Work. He was a Licensed Clinical Social worker and spent over 30 years in clinical practice and until recently taught at Virginia Wesleyan College. He was a partner at Tidewater Psychotherapy Services. He loved the people that he worked with and dedicated much of his life to working with others. The Wild Bunch meant the world to him as did the families and individuals he had the benefit of working with and learning from over the years.

Jeff lived a full life and was fully engaged until the end of his life. He is survived by his wife Kjersti and by his five children, Jason, Ira, Ehren, Erik and Elissa of whom he is so proud. He is survived by his sisters Susan, Martha and Barbara and many beloved family members in Utah, Nevada and Michigan.

For Jeff being a productive, contributing member of a family, work team and community was what mattered. He chose to live out his final months with travel and spending time with family, friends and his dogs. He contributed greatly throughout his life. As Jeff would say on his phone message "Have whatever kind of day you choose and choose wisely".

A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at First Landing (Seashore) State Park Amphitheater on Sunday June 14th at 1:00 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Burns

Sponsored by the family.

24 Entries

Janice York

June 1, 2025

Still remembering the abundance of good things you did for others as well as your life in this part of your journey. Thanking you my friend

Jacob knapp

June 1, 2024

Jeff was my therapist when I was a rowdy and unruly teen and he was the only adult I respected at that time of my life. I truly appreciate that I got to meet and know him. A standout moment I remember is when he performed a therapeutic acupuncture with a guided breathing meditation. I wish I would´ve kept up with him after I stopped going to Tidewater Psych. That was around 2009. Rest in paradise Jeff!

Jessica

June 1, 2021

Thinking of you today and how you inspired my son and me to have "whatever type of day we choose!" Powerful. Peace to your family. You are missed.

September 19, 2018

Just found this notice when checking to see where my ole buddy was. So sorry to see he has left us but know he has that ultimate peace now.
Janice York

S C

March 1, 2016

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jeff's passing yesterday. He was my therapist for three years and during that time helped me cope with so many challenges; including the death of my father. Jeff's insight, wit, humor, and candor helped me learn how to heal my own wounds and embrace the sometimes overwhelming challenges that I faced. Although I had not seen Jeff in several years, please know how deeply saddened I am for your loss. I will never forget the lessons I learned from Jeff.

cindy beals

November 13, 2015

Kjersti, I am so saddened by Jeff's passing. You are in my thoughts.

Kjersti

November 7, 2015

Missed so much

Jessica Vittone

November 6, 2015

I just found this as I've thought about Jeff a lot since he helped my son a couple of years ago. He truly made a difference and will be missed. Thank you for sharing him- he blessed my family and still does.

Tiffany Thrasher-Ray

November 5, 2015

My sons and I are so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. Our thoughts are with his family.

jacob knapp

November 5, 2015

I've just found out about this and I am very saddened by this news. I was a patient of his. R.i.p. jeff

jacob knapp

November 5, 2015

I've just found out about this and I am very saddened by this news. I was a patient of his. R.i.p. jeff

Evan Gordon

October 26, 2015

Mr. Burns saved my life, If it weren't for him I may not be able to type this message right now. You were an inspiration to me and taught me so many valuable lessons. Thank you and God bless you.

September 13, 2015

This is so shocking. Jeff was a wonderful professional; so knowledgeable and thoughtful about his work and clients. It was always easy to talk to him; he always was willing to take time and show his interest. I am sorry to hear this sad news.

June 22, 2015

Jeff was my therapist, on and off, for at least fifteen years. He was wonderful at his chosen field and will be missed greatly. No one will ever be able to take his place. M deMontpellier

James Agyei

June 21, 2015

I am still in shock. I just heard the news. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. He was such a great guy. I enjoyed his supervision.

Geoff Ludford

June 18, 2015

I just heard of Jeff's passing and did not realize that he had been sick again. I remember when he was struggling the "first time that he learned that he had cancer. It just seemed apparent to me that Jeff had a unique ability to fix things and he seemed to pull out of this stage and started feeling well again. By far, Jeff was one of the most respected colleagues in the Hampton Roads area and I could always rely on him for having information when others didn't. My deepest condolences to his family.

Angela Shalhoup

June 13, 2015

Jeff was a great teacher, colleague, and friend. I first met him around 1992 at Tidewater Community College. He was the COOLEST instructor anyone could ever meet. He taught me so much during that time. A few years later, I was elated to have him as one of my instructors in Old Dominion University's CSAC program; then later as a fellow colleague to whom I referred my clients. His knowledge inspired me which I was able to utilize in my own career and life. God bless you Jeff and your family. Thank you for all you have done.

June 10, 2015

Jeff was a good guy! Always helpful! Always diligent! Just a great guy! Ron Grett

Joyce Bercaw

June 9, 2015

Jeff was always such a nice person and a great listener. He always knew the right thing to say when I was working thru an issue. He will be truly missed by all. My prayers are with his family. Joyce Bercaw

June 8, 2015

Jeff was a precious friend, mentor, and counselor. He was a wonderful person and gave fully of himself. He will be truly missed. My prayers are with his family. Cyndi Katz

Karen Hamilton

June 7, 2015

Jeff was such an amazing part of so many peoples lives. I for one will miss him greatly.

Cynthia Hansen

June 7, 2015

A precious, gentle soul has passed from among us. Jeff played a pivotal role as friend, mentor, guide in the beginning of this career that I have lived & loved this last 30 years. He touched the lives of so many with his sincerity, dedication & energy. Dear Jeff, may you continue your soul journey in peace & well being. You will be missed.

Crystal Maurizi

June 7, 2015

Mr. Burns was an amazing advocate for my son and helped me in so many ways. I will always be grateful for his kindness and his willingness to help my family at a moment's notice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

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