James Bernard Burns

Passed away peacefully at home, Monday, July 13, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona. Born in Denver, Colorado on May 26, 1932, Jim was raised in small town Highland, Wisconsin and graduated from Highland High School in 1950. At 19 years old, he contracted Tuberculosis and spent 18 months recovering in a sanitarium. Then asthma forced him to relocate to Tucson, Arizona, which helped him greatly health wise. He entered the X-Ray training program at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1954 and spent 6 years there. During this time Jim had the great fortune to meet his future wife, Carmen Consuelo Dominguez in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico. Thus, beginning the 62-year romance and love of his life, best friend, confidant and trusted business partner.

In 1960, Jim joined the X-Ray department at Tucson General Hospital and became department supervisor. He would eventually retire from hospital work in 1973 to start a new career in real estate. Carmen became very involved in this endeavor and together they owned and operated several businesses: A second hand store, furniture store, motel, several rooming houses, single family home rentals, a restaurant franchise and lastly the Paddock Bar, in South Tucson for 14 years. Together they raised 6 children and 5 grandchildren. Jim was a life long sports fan and enjoyed watching all kinds of sports. He was very handy and throughout his life he and his wife spent many days, nights and weekends remodeling, painting and fixing up many properties that they would rent to college students attending the University of Arizona. A life long Wildcat fan, Jim also enjoyed rooting for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Jim was a beloved brother to Pat Burns, husband to Carmen, father to Jimmy, Denise, Kevin, Susie, Melissa, Bridgette and Tata to Carlos, Chris, Zander, Jackson and Lucy. He was greatly loved, respected and leaves behind a lifetime of hard work, perseverance and dedication to family. His final wish was for his life to be celebrated in lieu of sorrow. “Hi’ya… Bye’ya… Hold fast, all I give you.”