James Burns

Everyone that knew Dad knew, he thought he lived forever.

Even after Mom’s passing February 19, 2020 he actually said he felt bad she only lived three quarters of her life, passing a few months before her 84th birthday. He felt a full life was living to over 100.

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland May 9, 1929; the third of 5 sons to the amazing (Granny Burns) Helen & John Burns.

Dad graduated from Stanley Green High School and went on to serve in the RAF (British Royal Air Force). His military time meant he’d spend many months in the scorching heat of Saudi Arabia, quite the contrast from weather in Scotland.

Dad met the love of his life Audrey Chambers in 1952, they married in 1953. He was devoted to her for 68 years, of which the last 12 years, they battled her Dementia.

In 1962 Mom & Dad made the decision to immigrate to the USA. They hoped it would provide themselves & 2 young daughters Lynn (10) & Audrey (4) with more opportunities. In 1964 after selling everything they owned and knowing only a few people in the States, they made the move to Montpelier, Idaho. A place almost as extreme as going from Scotland to Saudi Arabia.

There were many struggles moving from another country. In Scotland he had a good job, owned a nice home, owned a car, to, no real job, a shack of a home and really nothing to their name. Even being a fair-skinned blued eyed man he was discriminated against. I remember Dad telling us someone told him when are you going to learn to speak English? It didn’t happen just once! To our family discrimination was real!

A year after immigrating Dad finally got his dream job, a jet fueler with United Airlines where he spent the next 30 years. This was perfect. His job allowed Mom & Dad to visit home (Scotland) and travel, they loved Hawaii.

Towards the late 60’s while living in Rose Park, Dad started a soccer league. He did this when soccer (Footba) wasn’t popular. It’s always made us sad that he was never recognized or given any credit for starting a sport that’s gotten so huge.

Dad was also one of the original members of the Salt Lake Scots Pipe Band. He was the only Scottish member in the band and he played the drums. The Salt Lake Scots were highlighted in the movie “The Devil’s Brigade.” Dad was so excited to be part of this.

Dad and his younger brother Matt were fantastic ice skaters and played on hockey leagues in Paisley, Scotland where we’re from & where we lived prior to immigrating. The ice rink is where he also met Mom. Dad also had many opportunities at the Salt Palace to skate and workout with the original Golden Eagles Hockey Club.

After retirement and moving to St. George, Dad was involved as volunteer for years at St. George Dinosaur Tracks. He was obsessed with everything dinosaur.

I’m so glad I was able to get Mom & Dad up to Alaska twice. Once on a cruise for their 50th Anniversary and the second time for Christian and Debbie’s wedding in 2006.

Dad was a fervent Democrat to the end. Dad would have turned 92 in May 9th, 2021.

There won’t be a funeral since most of Mom and Dad’s friends have already passed. Only a couple left.

I’ve always felt Mom & Dad had many regrets leaving their homeland Scotland. Because of this I will attempt to scatter their ashes in Scotland at a later date.

Cliff Whitecar, you have been my rock through all of mom & Dad’s health struggles over the last 10-15 years and also the toughest year 2020. I’m so grateful I’ve had you by my side through my parents passing in the middle of a pandemic virus. Even though he couldn’t verbalize it, Dad loved you to pieces. I loved the way you could get away teasing Dad when he could hardly understand anyone he could always understand you!

Dad is survived by daughter Lynn Burns Whitecar (Cliff), son Robert Burns (Stacy), granddaughter Jamey Whitecar Warburton (Jason), grandson Christian Whitecar (Debbie), granddaughter Amanda Romero (Dan), granddaughter Erika Burns, granddaughter Dana Burns, granddaughter Miranda Whitecar (Ryan), grandson Austin Burns, great granddaughter Kacey Warburton (Ian), great grandson Zack Warburton, great granddaughter Monique Romero, great grandson Cayden Romero, great grandson Daemeion Schippert, great granddaughter Shelby Whitecar, great grandson, Carson Whitecar.

Grampa became a great, great, Grampa on August 21, 2020 Amaya Miramontez and again November 20, 2020 Eden Madsen. We’re so happy he could see the last two great, greats!

Daughter, Audrey Thomas proceeded Mom & Dad in death, August 2006.

A special thank you to everyone that cared for Dad from Inspiration Home Health Care.