John J. Burns

May 6, 1928 - October 1, 2022
John J. Burns

Gifts & Memorial Donations



John J. Burns – “Jack” passed into eternal rest on October 1st at his home in Williamsburg, VA.  He was 94 years old.   Jack was loved by many, especially his beloved wife of over 30 years, Sheila Burns.  His loving sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Burns predeceased him.  He was adored by his 3 children; John Burns and wife Veronica, Laura Burns Nager and husband Mike, and Lynnie Burns Smith and husband Barry.  He greatly loved and cherished his grandchildren Nicholas, Jack, Kailey, Julia, Patty, Kelsey, Luke, Connor, and Logan, Taylor and Tessa.  Jack also loved his stepsons Stephen Fleeson, Brian Fleeson, Emmet Fleeson and wife Christina, and Francis Fleeson and wife Alli, and had countless friends and family who were blessed to know him.
Jack was born in Philadelphia and grew up living at Girard College.  He was a soccer player and a boxer where he earned the nickname “Bulldog Burns”.  After graduating he enlisted in the US Army where he was a Paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division.  He spent time in Japan during the occupation following WWII and he completed over 30 jumps as a Paratrooper.  With the help of the GI bill he returned home and attended Murray State and Temple University where he received his Masters Degree in Education.  He taught for the Philadelphia School for the Deaf, and for Plainedge High School in New York as a History and Anthropology educator.  He retired after many years in teaching, but continued to work owning businesses in Home Construction and Trucking.  He became a Nurse and was greatly sought after by families as a provider for in home care for terminally ill patients.
Jack was a faithful and dedicated follower of Christ, and volunteered at Church through the years in the office, as a reader, Usher, and Eucharistic Minister, and as a Coach for CYO Sports.  Jack will be remembered for his quick wit and caring heart.  He was a voracious reader, especially of historical books.  His love of Christ, of family, and friends will always be remembered.   Visitation will be Saturday October 8th at 10AM at St. Olaf’s Church in Williamsburg, VA, with a Mass immediately following at 11AM.  Memorial donations in memory of Jack may be made to the St. Olaf Church Food Pantry.




Funeral Mass

Saturday, October 8, 2022
11:00 AM

St. Olaf Catholic Church - Directions
104 Norge Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Visiting Hours

St. Olaf Catholic Church - Directions
104 Norge Ln, Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • Saturday, October 8, 2022
  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *