James Michael Burns

James "Jim" Burns Sr., of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 88, with family by his side. His passing came after a courageous two-month battle with a serious infection. Jim is survived by his children: James M. Burns Jr., Jennifer MacKinnon, John (Millie) Burns, and Jessica (Jerry) Chrisman. He was a proud grandfather to Joseph (Jennifer) MacKinnon, Geoffrey (Tavia) MacKinnon, Shea Chrisman, and Shannon Chrisman. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Violet MacKinnon, Amelia MacKinnon, Maisie MacKinnon, and Louis MacKinnon, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Burns; his sister-in-law, Anne Orfald; his nephew, David; his nieces, Catherine and Susan (Orfald); along with many cherished cousins and second cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Burns, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and devotion, and by his parents, Cyril and Marcella Burns. Jim spent his early childhood in rural Waseca, Minnesota, before moving with his family to Minneapolis at the age of four. While attending Washburn High School, he met the love of his life, Sally. Their high school romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on November 8, 1957, while Jim was attending the College of St. Thomas Aquinas in St. Paul. As Jim and Sally began raising their family in 1959, Jim embarked on a career with Northern States Power Company in Minneapolis, where he worked faithfully for more than 30 years. He was a dedicated employee and, even more importantly, a devoted husband and father. After long workdays, he could often be found hurrying home to play catch with his sons, loading the family into the car for an afternoon at Bush Lake, or creating unforgettable adventures with mini bikes, snowmobiles, football games, and Fourth of July fireworks. Above all, Jim found happiness in bringing joy to those he loved. His children will always remember him as a fun dad whose greatest reward was seeing his family's smiles. Jim found peace in tending to his yard, spending summers at the family lake home, and enjoying a good novel by Louis L'Amour, Michael Connelly, or John Grisham. In later years, his greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. He celebrated each milestone, accomplishment, and new adventure with genuine pride and unwavering encouragement. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many relatives and friends who offered prayers, visits, and support during Jim's final weeks. Special thanks are extended to the compassionate staff and residents of Prairie Manor in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, whose kindness, friendship, and care preserved Jim's dignity and enriched his final years. The family is also deeply grateful to the Mayo Hospice team for the exceptional care, comfort, and compassion they provided during the last six weeks of his life. Jim was sincerely thankful for each and every one of you. Jim's legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, the countless memories he created, and the example he set through hard work, generosity, and a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, 07-09-2026 at Washburn-McReavy, 2300 W Old Shakopee Road Bloomington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday, 07-10-2026 at St Edwards Church, 9401 Nesbitt Ave S. Bloomington, with visitation 1 hour prior.

James Michael Burns

April 17, 1938 - June 30, 2026

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