James Russell Burns

James “Jim” Russell Burns, Jr, 74, of Summerville, South Carolina, died the morning of Sunday, February 19th at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston, South Carolina after a hard-fought battle with Cancer. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, daughter Jennifer Sola and husband Jeff; step-son Frank Luton and wife Molly, and step-son Hank Luton and wife Adrian. He is also survived by his grandchildren Desiree (Adam), Chelsea (Cody), Jake (Madison), Hudson, Oliver, Macon, Wells, and Sullivan. Also surviving are his six siblings; Anne Marie Kelso (Larry), Carole Lewis (Darryl), Cathy Anderson (Andy), John Burns (Ligaya), Maggie Dorst, and Josie Bowen. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, James Russell Burns and Leocadia Leszczynski; sister Eileen Abouobaya (Mohamed); brother Michael Burns (Annette). Jim was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone on April 16, 1948 where his father was stationed during his Naval service. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy during the Tett Offensive and fought in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm conflict, and the Gulf War. During the Vietnam War he began his career as an E1 and served honorably for 23 years before retiring as Lieutenant Commander holding the position of Chief Engineer. Upon retirement Jim spent his civilian career in the healthcare field serving in plant/facilities engineering at Palmetto Behavioral Health and Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital. Jim was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Summerville where he spent the last few years helping maintain the facilities and maintenance. He was an active member of Cursillo in South Carolina serving as lay rector for Weekend 178 (Fishers of Men) and on many Cursillo weekend teams. Jim’s proudest faith-based activity was his Coin Ministry, started over ten years ago. A Memorial Service will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Summerville. Burial to follow at the Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements to be handled by James A. Dyal Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome and donations on Jim’s behalf should be made to Cursillo in Christianity, earmarking it “JOG” and mailed to: Ms. Elisabeth Tezza Simmonite Diocesan Cursillo Treasurer 2220 Atlantic Avenue Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

James Russell Burns

April 16, 1948 - February 19, 2023