James Burns

On October 16, 2019, our father, grandpa and friend, James Burns was reunited with his eternal sweetheart when he peacefully passed away from the effects of vascular dementia. He left a big void that will be impossible for us to fill.
Jim Burns was born on April 12, 1934 to James Aloyisius Burns and Irene Fischer, in Deer Park, Ohio.  His family eventually made their way to Sacramento, CA, where Jim grew up. Orphaned at age 14, Jim and his two younger sisters ended up in the foster-care system. The last family he was placed with happened to be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim became a member before he left for college.
A naturally gifted athlete, from a young age Jim excelled in sports. He received a scholarship to play two sports at Sacramento State—basketball and baseball. Jim soon enlisted in the Navy and discovered a new love, flying. He tested to become a fighter pilot and after his naval flight training, he took his commission in the Marines, because, in his words, “they are tougher.” (Also, he hated taking off aircraft carriers.)
Towards the end of Korean War, Jim was stationed in Hawaii where he met the love of his life, Darlene DeLapp. It was love at first sight.  They were married on October 24, 1956 in Honolulu, and their marriage was solemnized eight months later in the Laie Temple. They were together 60 years, until Darlene’s passing three years ago.  She was his compass, and without her, he often seemed lost. Together they raised five children, Devin (Patty), David, Deanna (Aaron Ingram), Maylene (Eric White), and Michael (Kristi).
After the war, Jim continued to fly in the reserves and play amateur basketball. He played on the Seattle Buchan Bakers of the National Industrial Basketball League. He graduated from University of Washington, and was attending U of W Law School when he decided to join United Airlines as a pilot, retiring after 33 years as a 747-400 captain.
At age 29, Jim took up a new hobby—Golf. He was like a duck to water. His love and enthusiasm for the game were evident, and it wasn’t long before he was a scratch golfer. He was an executive for several years for the Northern California Jr. Golf Association and a founding member of the Junior America’s Cup tournament. He also managed to rack up an impressive 17 holes in one—two of those on back to back days in a tournament! He spent several years on the San Francisco team representing the United States in a world airline golf tournament known as The Rose Bowl, which created a network of close friends across multiple continents. He often taught at golf clinics in Hawaii, California and in Utah. After his retirement, Jim spent multiple years donating his time as the Timpview High School Golf Coach in Provo, UT.
Jim loved genealogy. He enjoyed serving as a missionary with his dear wife at the Family History Library. He also loved music and could play the organ and the accordion. He was quick with the one liners and could make everyone laugh. His childhood stories growing up poor and orphaned were legendary, filled with escapades with gypsies, hobos, and carnival workers. He tirelessly worked to give his family the life he didn’t have growing up.
Jim is survived by his five children, their spouses; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one sister.  He was preceded in death by his sweetheart, Darlene, one sister and both parents.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at the Valley View 9th Ward, 4101 South 1925 East, Holladay UT, 84124. Family and friends may call at the church a half hour prior to the service.  Interment:  Memorial Holladay Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veteran Administration’s Fisher House of Salt Lake City.
Service Information

Memorial Service
November 1, 2019 at 11:30 am
4101 South 1925 East, Holladay, Utah - Valley View 9th Ward