James W. Burns, 66, a lifelong Salem resident died Thursday, May 10th at Mass General Hospital after a brief illness.
James was born in Methuen, MA, the son of Anna (Vogler) and the late William Burns. He graduated from Woodbury High School and attended NH College of Accounting and Commerce. After college, he served in the Air National Guard.
James spent his entire career in the packaging industry, beginning with Lawrence Packaging in 1967 and retired in 2008 from Dusobox in Haverhill, MA where he was the plant manager. Above all else, he was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. He also enjoyed golfing, projects around the house, watching his favorite Boston sports teams, horseracing, and Westerns.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy (Caimi) Burns. He is survived by his son, Thomas Burns and wife Laurie; daughter Deborah Payne and husband Jeffrey; mother Anna (Vogler) Burns Ichton; brother William Burns and wife Joyce; sister Betty Mangeri and husband Louis, all of Salem; sister Donna Gradzewicz and husband Don of Methuen, MA and stepsister Paula Ricard of Salem; 2 grandchildren, Nicholas Payne and Olivia Burns, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Calling hours will be Monday, May 14th from 4-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.
The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Church, Salem, NH. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.