"It was with great sadness that I just learned of Jim's passing. He was one of the first individuals that I met in my career 41 years ago. He was always a true professional, who carried himself with great dignity. His lived his faith and made a great impact on all whom he encounter. God Bless! "
In loving memory of
James W. Burns
February 5, 1950 - February 10, 2021
James W. Burns, of North Wales, PA died peacefully on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at the Abington Hospice at Warminster. He was 71 years old.
Born in King of Prussia, James was the son of the late Melvin and Dorothy (nee Snyder) Burns.
Jim attended Upper Merion High School and was a graduate of Villanova University. He served in the Army National Guard. He had a 25 year career as Vice President of Group Purchasing for Healthcare Support Services in Allentown prior to his retirement in 2010. Jim was an enthusiastic reader and enjoyed doing research. He enjoyed time spent outdoors, and was an avid golfer and hiker. However, his true passion was to help everyone he met in his path.
Jim is survived by his beloved life partner, Arlene Morris. He is the loving father of James W. Burns, Jr. and his wife April, of Guam; Shawn Burns and his wife Jessica, of St. Augustine, FL; Deanna Ferrante of Blue Bell; and Brian Morris and his wife Liz, of Philadelphia. He is the dear grandfather of Isabella Ferrante, Sophia Ferrante, Montana Morris, Cole Morris, Cobie Burns, and Theo Burns. Jim is the brother of Mary Lou Mott (Rick) of King of Prussia, Robert Burns (Maggy) of W. Norriton, and Joann Moccia (Sal) of Delaware.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday March 6, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at St. Miriam Parish and Friary 654 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, Pa. followed by his Memorial Mass at 11:00 am with the Rev. Msgr. James St. George Pastor as celebrant.
Remembrances in Jim's name to Abington Home Care Hospice, Suite 250, 2510 Maryland Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090-0520 or the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106 www.alz.org/delval would be appreciated by the family.
Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"What a wonderful Daddy and grandpa! ?"
"Dennis Caine on 2/19/2021 I met Jim when we shared an office at HPS in Philadelphia. He quickly became a good friend. He taught me a lot about the healthcare industry and the people in it. He taught me more about life. I will always remember his incredibly dry sense of humor. His memory is a blessing."
"I was fortunate to have worked with Jim over most of his career with HCSC. He was dedicated to his work and provided a unique humor to many situations. He will be missed. Rest in peace. Tom Fenstermacher"
"Jim has left a legacy far unmatched by any words that can be written. I have many wonderful memories of Jim throughout the years of our friendship. We met as professionals but became good friends. I will always remember his smile, his generosity and his kind spirit. He was a genuine man ... always there to lend a helping hand and listen as a friend, a mentor and a champion. He led by example. Jim was a bright light taken far too soon. I will forever be proud to have been his friend and colleague and cherish the times we spent together. Rest easy my friend and I will see you on the other side...."
"I worked with Jim for many years at HCSC. We were great lunch buddies as we confided in each other about work and personnel issues. I miss his friendship. Rest in peace my friend."
"I had the honor of working under Jim for 9 years at HCSC. He was a dear friend and mentor who hugely shaped my view on life, work, and many other things. His mentoring changed the direction of my path and helped me notice my potential and achieve success. To this day I quote him regarding a key attribute of a great mentor and manager. He once told me, "I am not a good manager if I am not helping you grow." In his memory I will continue to spread his beautiful and sacred gift of mentorship. I will miss him dearly.
"
"When I think of Jim I think of a prince of a guy. Easy smile, slow to anger, usually waiting to see what every side of the issue was before dropping a pearl of wisdom. The kind of guy that could get Republicans and Democrats to see that ray of light shining through the crevice that both could concentrate on to begin to work together. I wish we had lived closer to each other. We could have been like brothers. Written by Paul Bratt. "
"Jim, you were the brother I never had. I appreciate your friendship and counsel over our many years. Brian, Jane and I have such fond memories of our hiking down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, our stay at Phantom Ranch, and our hike out. Wonderful memories! Until we meet again! Derwood"
"Jim was the ultimate professional. I worked with Jim when I was the Vice President of the HCSC Blood Center known as Miller- Keystone Blood Center. Jim wrote the book on healthcare group purchasing. My sincere condolences to Arlene and his family. Joe Yelo"
"I had the honor of working with Jim for many years at Hospital Central Services Cooperative (HCSC), where Jim was Vice President of our Group Purchasing division. Jim was always articulate, approachable, and well respected amongst his peers. He had an uncanny sense of humor and we shared many laughs and good times together, especially on the golf course. He was simply one of my favorite people at HCSC and I will remember him fondly. Thoughts and prayers are with Arlene and the family. Bill Moyer"