James Michael Burns

Bellevue-James Michael Burns, 91, a longtime resident of Bellevue, WA and member of St Louise Parish, passed Sunday, June 12, 2016 with his wife by his side. Loved, cherished and respected; he will be greatly missed.

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Pick) Burns; his son, Shawn Burns and his wife, Lovely; his daughters, Kathleen Burns, Laurie Whiteside and her husband Randy; his sister Donna Ainsworth; 8 grandchildren and 3 great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews far and wide. He is preceded by his son Timothy Burns and brother Dale Burns.

He was born to the late William and Rose (Gill) Burns, February 6, 1925, in St. Helens Oregon. The family moved to Florence, Oregon where Jim attended Siuslaw High School. He excelled at sports becoming a great football player still remembered by friends and family. During these depression years he lived and worked on Bert and Duane Anderson’s farm, going to high school and playing sports.

He enlisted in the Navy at 18 and began serving on the USS West Virginia (BB-48) through the Battle of Leyte Golf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa until the conclusion of the war. Upon leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Oregon while working various jobs, eventually managing the armory as a chief warrant officer in the National Guard. He met his wife Patricia in Eugene then a recent grad from Seattle University School of Nursing, and they were married August 6, 1951.

Because of his experience in various telephone poll yards after the war, Jim had the opportunity to begin working for Western Electric in 1952 as a timber products inspector which over time became quality control for the upper northwest region. After several company transfers he and his young family landed in Bellevue, Washington (1962). Jim retired from Western Electric/AT&T in 1985.

Mr. Burns’ passion for sports was renowned, particularly his love for the Oregon Ducks. His wife had to guard his blood pressure every time the Ducks played fearing a heart attack or stroke! An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of West Seattle Golf Club where he served on the men’s club.

Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00am, Monday, June 27, 2016 at St. Louise Catholic Church, 141-156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Inurnment is scheduled for 2:00pm, Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042.