James H. Burns

James “Burnsie” H. Burns, 81, of Syracuse, passed away on March 30^th. He was born in Syracuse to the late Mary (Kendrick) and George Burns. He was a graduate of Nottingham High School and resided in the Liverpool and Mattydale areas for many years.

Jim retired as a Corrections Officer at Jamesville Penitentiary in 2003. He spent his life serving his community and country. He served over 20 years in the Army Reserves in the 10^th Mountain Division at Fort Drum obtaining the rank of Sargeant First Class. As a young adult he became an EMT and served with NAVAC. He went on to become a volunteer Fireman at Liverpool Station # 2 for many years. Jim was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Jim loved the outdoors and would make frequent day trips to the Adirondacks to explore all its beauty. He would love to pick a road and see where it would lead to. 

In his younger years he enjoyed camping, canoeing, and hiking and learned to ski at the age of 50. His family also got to enjoy the many home improvement projects he loved to complete. Jim ran CamNel’s bar for a period in the 90’s and loved to host events for his patrons – Lobster Bakes, Pig Roasts, and bus trips to Toronto for football games. Jim was always the life of the party and always wanted everyone to have a good time. In more recent years Jim was a member and officer at American Legion Post #1832 in Mattydale. He could often be found helping with various events and fundraisers. Jim was a devoted man to his family and faithful to friends. He was always there for anyone who needed help in their time of need. He will be deeply missed by many. 

Jim is predeceased by his first wife, Barbara, and their beloved daughter Karen, and by his second wife, Linda. 

He is survived by his daughter, Patricia (Bryan) Leonard of Baldwinsville, two sisters, Margaret Burns of Syracuse, and Kathy Burns of Connecticut. Jim has four grandchildren: Katelyn (Aaron) McIver of NJ, Ryan Leonard of Baldwinsville, Jessica Trask of Virginia, and Kristina (Jamie) Eastwood of Roxboro; two beautiful great granddaughters, Mc’Kenzie & Brayleigh and a third great grandchild due in a few weeks; and he will be missed by many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Cpl. Kyle R. Schneider Foundation, P.O. Box 8, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.