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.