James Burns

James Victor Burns, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Jim was born in Huron County, Michigan, the son of Francis “Mack” and Yvonne (Steen) Burns. He married the former Mary Louise Recor in 1953, and they shared a 70-year love affair before she preceded him in death on September 26, 2023.

Jim leaves to cherish his loving memory his daughters Debra Grinde of Milton, FL, Maureen of Romeo, Shannon (Jeff) Griffin of Romeo, Bridget (Jeff) Kowalke of Washington Township, and his son, Matthew (Deborah) of Armada; grandchildren Patrick (Alaina), Michael (Michelle), Matthew, Connor (Taylor), Cameron, Owen, Benjamin, and James; and great-grandchildren Josie, Tessa, Mack, Cooper, and Mary Joan. James was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel, his sisters,Judy Demick and Janet Waslar, and his son-in-law Alvin Grinde.

Jim lived a life of service, and he was known for his work ethic and his kindness.He spent part of his childhood on his grandparents’ farm in Huron County during the Great Depression. Jim attended the Sweeney School in Huron County, St. Jude Grade School in Detroit, and then graduated from Denby High School in Detroit. After graduation, he served his country in the Navy, as both a midshipman and naval aviator during the Korean War. After the war, as the son of a Detroit Police Detective, Jim served with the Detroit Police Department. Upon moving to Romeo, he became an active member of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, serving as a lector and a founding member of the St. Clement Men’s Club. The Men’s Club later became the Knights of Columbus, Council 7018. While working as a plant manager and supervisor at Chrysler Corporation, Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in business management from Central Michigan University. Jim and Mary raised their 5 children in Detroit and Romeo, Michigan,

Jim loved reading, listening to the bagpipes, playing cribbage, watching the Detroit Tigers and Lions, watching Jeopardy, and spending time with his family and friends. As a friend, mentor, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Jim’s family will receive visitors on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 1:00-8:00 PM with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo, Michigan. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 10 AM (in state at 9:30 a.m.) at St. Clement Catholic Church of Romeo, with burial at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Oakland Twp.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knights of Columbus Council 7018 at St. Clement of Rome. (343 S. Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065).

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