WORCESTER-James Henry Burns, Jr. died at home on March 3, 2015 at the age of 72.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine E. (Dulmaine) Burns; sons, James and Timothy; brothers, Kenneth and William; nieces and nephews, Kim, Alyssa and Kenneth, Nicole and Richelle, Bridgette and Molly and grandchildren, Catrice, Connor, Taylor, Aislynn, Kristen, Lauren and Kyle.
James was born on November 24, 1942 to James H. Burns, Sr. and Muriel K. (King) Burns. He graduated from South High School in 1961. He was the Captain of the basketball and football teams and the WTAG Football All Star for 1959 and 1960. He attended Leicester Junior (Becker) College and was inducted into the basketball Hall of Fame in 1963. He served in the National Guard and was discharged in 1970. He worked at Sunnys, as a real estate agent, restaurant manager and a landscaper. James liked to garden, was a golfer and avid sports fan, a member of the Book of the Month Club and enjoyed the beach. He especially loved visiting relatives and shopping with his wife Elaine and spending time with his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. His sense of humor enlivened many holiday gatherings, cookouts and other family get togethers.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at CALLAHAN ~ FAY ~ CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. His Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 6th at 10:00 am at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 5 Spaulding St. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Central MA Hospice, 191 Pakachoag St., Auburn, MA 01501.