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Deacon James Burns, who served at Sacred Heart parish in Monroe for 16 years, died Nov. 29. He was 78.
Deacon Burns was ordained by Cardinal John O’Connor in 1988. At Sacred Heart, 1988-2004, he faithfully participated in the parish’s sacramental and liturgical life. His ministry was with youth, young adults and adults, and he was engaged in sacramental preparation of parishioners.
Deacon Burns transferred to the Diocese of Portland, Maine, where he served at a parish in Fryeburg, 2014-2019.
Born in the Bronx, he was a graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School, Briarwood, Queens, and was an electrician in New York City for 43 years. For most of his career, he worked for Arc Electrical Corp and Forest Electric at the World Trade Center. He also served in the Air National Guard for six years.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Clare; sons, James, Thomas, Christopher, Patrick and Kevin; and 12 grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 6 at Sacred Heart. Burial was Dec. 7 in Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Campbell Hall.
