James G. Burns

James G. Burns of Billerica, formerly of Lexington, died November 6, 2025. Devoted husband of the late Flore Burns (Blais). Loving father of Paula Burns of Riverview, FL; Steven Burns and his wife Cathy of Billerica; Douglas Burns and his wife Carole of Westford; Daniel Burns and his wife Marie of Billerica; Michael Burns and his husband Carlos of Jamaica Plain; and Chris Burns and his wife Laura of Westford. Beloved brother of the late Joseph Burns, Sister Elizabeth Mary Burns, Mary Berg, and Margaret Lenz. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Christopher, Julianna, Gabrielle, Jennifer, Emily, Gregory, Jaclyn, Brandon, Sarah, James, Sabrina, and Alexander, and 2 great grandchildren, Emanuele, and Elouise, and by many nieces and nephews.

Born in predepression Iowa, Jim grew up in a rural farming community and learned the value of hard work and perseverance during the scarcity of the 30's. In his early years Jim joined the Navy achieving Petty Officer ET-3 aboard the Destroyer Remey DD-688 followed by the USS Yosemite AD-19. During a refit at the Newport Navy Yard, Jim met the love of his life, Flore Blais at local dance. They were married in 1955 and settled in the Boston Metro area and received a job opportunity the IBM Corporation. From 1955 thru 1986 Jim served as a Field Engineering Specialist and a first line Services Manager. Jim was a steady Catholic at the local church being part of their choir singing not only there but at any opportunity he could get right up until his last days.

Jim was a kind and honest family man with simple tastes and needs. He also had a great sense of humor, loved a good laugh and did not take himself too seriously. He worked hard to provide for his family, always taking the middle of the night overtime calls and doing literally everything he could around the home with his old wheelbarrow and a few tools. Jim ferociously loved his family, his Iowa sisters and their children, will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Jim formed lifelong friendships, regularly calling his friends for a good chat in his later years. His most cherished friends were his three sisters. They spoke often until each passed away over the last five years.

Jim was an avid car enthusiast throughout his life. He loved attending car shows in his 1966 Corvair and cruising the streets. He passed his automotive passion to all his sons, many of whom have owned classic cars as well. A fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Jim served as Grand Knight of the Lexington, Ma chapter and was a ready volunteer for chapter missions.

Funeral from the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington on Saturday November 15th at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington at 10am. Visiting hours at the funeral home Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Interment Westview Cemetery, Lexington.