James J. Burns

Watertown - Jim Burns was probably most content when at his home in Harwich on Cape Cod. For years it provided a retreat where he could read a good book while listening to or watching a New England sports game or preparing to host a house filled with family and friends for a clambake or lobster fest. Jim was often up for a short walk to the Irish Pub for a pint or two and he could sit for hours in his chair or take a walk at his favorite beach, Brooks Road Beach, or play a round of golf. Perhaps this is what heaven is like . . .

After a period of failing health due the medical maladies of years in age Jim and his family placed his care in the hands of God on Friday, November 11, 2016. He died peacefully at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge with family by his side. He was 82.

Born November 24, 1933 in Boston he was a son of the late Joseph H. and Margaret (Pierce) Burns. Raised and educated in Roxbury he grew up in the Thornton Place neighborhood. Life was simple and the homes were filled with large families many of whom belonged to St. Joseph Parish. A graduate of the former Boston English High School he then enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served his country during the Korean War. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and his Master's in Business Administration from Bentley College.

Upon return from the war Jim received his certification and began work at Northeast Airlines which later became Delta. In this time period he began a courtship with a neighborhood girl, Nora Theresa Kilcoyne. They later married on November 8, 1958 in their neighborhood parish. They moved to Watertown over 55 years ago to raise and educate their four children. A career change took Jim to Houghton-Mifflin Publishing Company where he became its vice president. After a long career he was afforded retirement in 1989.

Jim and Theresa were longtime members of Saint Luke's Church in Belmont where they were active in its former Couple's Club. He was a member of the Tomás Cardinal O'Fiaich Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #14 in Watertown, VFW Post 1272 – Waverley Post in Belmont, Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post 156 in Waltham, Arlington Retired Men's Association and Fresh Pond Golf Club.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, Theresa, he leaves their children, Susan M. Parnell and her husband, John of Hingham, James M. Burns of Palmetto, Florida, Teresa A. Petri and her husband, Marco of Mansfield and Sean T. Burns and his wife, Kathleen of Chicago, Illinois; his grandchildren, Brendan Parnell and his wife, Alexandra, Bryan and Brittany Parnell, Amanda, Maryellen, Kelly, James 'Jake' Burns, Declan, William 'Liam' and Brady Burns; his daughter-in-law, Victoria Ledger of Lafayette, Louisiana; his sister, Barbara Blanchard of Abington; many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Tuesday, November 15th from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to The Church of Saint Luke, 132 Lexington Street, Belmont where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial in Ridgelawn Cemetery is private.

Memorials in his name may be made to Mount Auburn Hospital, Cardiac Care, Development Office, Mount Auburn Hospital, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.