Obituary: James L. Burns

On June 10, 2025, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

James L. Burns of Belmont passed away on June 7, 2025 he was 78. Born in Boston and raised in East Somerville; where he lived much of his life, James was the son of the late Imelda E. (McKinnon) and Maurice J. Burns. He was a member of the first graduating class of Arlington Catholic High School and served honorably in the US Army when drafted during the Vietnam War. He was then appointed to the Somerville Fire Department and began his 37-year career in May of 1973 and was primarily assigned to Fire Headquarters on Ladder 2, retiring in September of 2010. An avid sports fan, James enjoyed football, playing for the Charlestown Townies and following the Patriots, celebrating his favorite holiday – Super Bowl Sunday and tried his luck on an occasional horse race. Beyond his family, he also cherished time spent with his loyal dog, Bentley J. Burns.

The beloved husband of the late Susan (Johnson) Burns, he was the devoted father of Melissa Burns and her husband Sean Gray, James L. Burns, Jr. all of Belmont, Michelle Burns-Rubin and her husband Zach of Watertown and the late Paul J. Burns. Cherished Papa of Shauna and Sean Gray. Brother of John Burns and his wife Suzette of Virginia. Dear friend of Bob Lyons of Somerville.

Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Friday, June 13th at 9:00AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Benedict Church, Somerville at 10:00AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting Hours in the funeral home Thursday 4:00PM to 7:00PM. Services will conclude with burial at St. Paul Cemetery, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ name can be made to the Somerville Fire, Local 76 Scholarship Fund, 266 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145.