James E Burns

James E. Burns - Rome, New York and Palm Bay, Florida

September 10, 1939 - September 14, 2010

"Sailor, rest your oar."



James E. Burns of Rome, New York and Palm Bay, Florida passed on in the loving arms of his beloved wife, "Josie," on the evening of September 14, 2010, their 47th wedding anniversary, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born in Rome, New York on September 10, 1939 and was the son of the late Roger and Nickalena (Abruzzio) Burns.



A graduate of Rome Free Academy in 1957, Jim served proudly in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service from 1957 through 1961, where he qualified on the U.S.S. Tench (SS 417) and the U.S.S. Seawolf (SSN 575). He retired from General Dynamics Electronics Division and Electric Boat Division in 1996 with over 30 years of service as a Procurement Quality Assurance Representative Specialist and Quality Control Engineer.



Jim was married September 14, 1963 to the former Mary Jo Conway at St Mary's of the Snows, Otter Lake, New York and was the loving father of James Patrick Burns and Colleen Michelle Lindler.



He was an active member in United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., the American Legion - Smith Post 24 (Rome, NY), V.F.W. Post 4206 (Melbourne, FL), The Tocolana Club (Rome, NY), and the Italian Americans Society of Palm Bay (Palm Bay, FL). He was a member of the Chapel of the Holy Family Traditional Roman Catholic Church of Melbourne, Florida.



He was predeceased by his mother, Nickie, of Rome, New York on July 6, 1991, and father, Roger, on June 14, 1945 while serving aboard the U.S.S. Randolph (CV-15) during World War II. Those who carry his memory on include his loving wife, Mary Jo, son James Patrick, daughter Colleen Michelle, daughter-in-law Destiny Morgan Burns, granddaughter Aimee Lyn Burns, sister Rose Emma, aunts Barbara Seaton and Kathleen Senecal, special cousin Roger Seaton, special brother-in-law Matthew Conway and his wife Sandra, special sister-in-law Christine Urynowicz, Robert and Nancy Henderson, Charlene Pfeiffer Walsh who along with Jim's lifelong friend, fellow submariner, and best man Walter Chyrywaty remained at Jim's bedside. Jim leaves a large, loving circle of family, friends, and his buddies at Smith Post.



The family would like to especially thank those who provided such compassionate care for Jim throughout his illness. Special thanks to those who provided palliative care, which allowed Jim to pass on with such dignity and respect including Natalya Akhtyrsky, R.N. and Dr. Kevin Matthews, Director Palliative Care Services, Faxton Campus, Dr. Richard Sullivan and John Camilleri, O.T., VA Clinic Rome, New York, Dr. Ronald Caputo, SJ Cardiology, Syracuse, New York, Dr. John Gullo and staff CNY Oncology, Dr. Atul Butala and staff, Faxton, Dr. Mohammed Seedat and staff, Dr. Nabeel El-Amir, and Dr. John Cai. Special thanks to the Oncology staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their exquisite care of Jim and his family during his final days. Thanks to Donna, Helene, Dr. Pat Dematto, and Richard Roman for their professional support.



A celebration of Jim's life with full military honors and musical selections by Barb Seaton and bagpiper David Morgan, will be held at Barry Funeral Home on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 10:00 AM.



Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Saturday, 8:30 to 10:00 AM prior to the funeral service.



To honor Jim's memory, please consider donating to a hospice and palliative care of your choosing, the Smith Post 24, Rome, New York, the VFW, or the Submarine Veterans.