James P. Burns

James Patrick Burns (Jimmy), of Hi-Nella, NJ, was born on November 9, 1952, in Manhattan, New York, and was called to his eternal home on August 14, 2025.

Jimmy was an understated, unassuming legend - a gifted guitar player, builder, fine artist, gardener, voracious reader, podcast listener, ice skater, swimmer, and ping-pong champion. He carried a light of curiosity everywhere he went, encouraging lifelong learning and showing a genuine, kind interest in everyone who sat and spoke with him. His life was marked by an unwavering commitment to others, often putting their needs above his own.

A true renaissance man who never saw himself that way, Jimmy built his own fishing dock on Raccoon Creek, designed and filled wall-to-wall bookshelves, painted oil paintings, and wrote original music. Many evenings were spent around the firepit with Jimmy entertaining his kids and their friends with his guitar and songs. In his youth, he competed in the New York State Ping-Pong Championship, proudly taking second place.

Jimmy honorably served his country as a radioman in Vietnam with the United States Army from 1971 to 1973. He dedicated many years to helping others as a respiratory therapist with Apria Healthcare.

Jimmy was the loving father of Jamie Burns, Kelle Whitby, and Seth Whitby; cherished grandfather of Avery Pierson, Shana Ellmore, Robert Whitby, Rylie Whitby, and Reagan Whitby; and proud great-grandfather of Amelia Ellmore. He was the dear brother of Susan Griffin and the late Robert Bunge, and the beloved son of the late Dorothy and Elroy Bunge. He is also survived by extended family and many friends who will miss him deeply.

We ask that you remember Jimmy for his kindness, selflessness, and brilliance - qualities he was too humble to acknowledge, yet ones that profoundly shaped the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Services will be private at the request of the family.