Obituary of James Frederick Burns

James “Jim” Frederick Burns, age 90 of Seymour, beloved husband for 66 years to the late Elizabeth (Badarick) Burns, died peacefully on January 6, 2021 at the Lord Chamberlain Health Care Center, Stratford.  Born in Yonkers, NY on September 19, 1930, he was the son of the late James Alexander and Margaret (Maitland) Burns.

Jim worked as a certified tool and die maker and foreman for GTE, Verizon Telecommunications, HC Cook and Boots Aircraft for over 48 years, until his retirement in 1995. An extremely hard worker, he often held two jobs to support his family. Jim proudly served as a volunteer firefighter at the Springdale Fire Department in Stamford and was a longtime volunteer firefighter at the Hilltop Hose Co. #5, in Ansonia.  At Hilltop, he served as a lieutenant and captain where he was instrumental in the construction of the current firehouse.

He was active in the Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America and served as Scoutmaster of Troop 7, Ansonia.  His hobbies included bowling, billiards, woodworking, yardwork, and fixing everything that broke, but most of all spending time with his family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for all his grand-dogs. He will always be remembered as a caring, proud and loving father, papa, brother and uncle.

He is survived by his devoted children, Thomas (Mary Ellen) Burns of Newborn, GA, James (Nancy) Burns of Shelton, Patricia (Stanley) Biga of Orange, Melanie (John) Gramesty of Oxford, Robert (Kelly) Burns of Wilbraham, MA; a cherished sister, Joyce Barney of Stamford; his grandchildren, Jeffrey Biga of Syracuse, NY, Kristen (Mario) Puglisi of Bethany, James Burns of Jupiter, FL, Matthew Gramesty of Oxford, Eric Mau and Evan Mau of Longmeadow, MA, Emma Lemek and Maxx Lemek of Wilbraham, MA; his great-grandsons, Joseph and Dean James Puglisi; his special nephew, Michael Barney; his sisters-in-law, Stella Burns and Katherine Badarick; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jim was also predeceased by his sister, Peggy Burns; his brother, Robert (Gordon) Burns; daughter-in-law, Alicia (Stanton) Burns, brother-in-law, Peter Barney and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Smithfield Gardens and Lord Chamberlain.

Friends and family are invited to attend a walk-through visitation at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 10, 2021.  Please be advised that all protocol, screening and social restrictions of the Covid-19 Pandemic will be exercised.  Funeral Service will be private.  Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hilltop Hose Co. #5, 80 Pulaski Hwy., Ansonia, CT 06401.  Online Condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.