JAMES WARREN BURNS

James Warren Burns, 79, passed away Dec. 26, 2004. Warren was born in San Francisco, Nov. 6, 1925. He was a fourth-generation San Franciscan, and both of his parents, as children, survived the 1906 earthquake. Warren attended San Francisco schools, and in 1943, at age 17, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. He patrolled war dogs along the Gaviota Coast, then was sent to radio operator school in New Jersey. He was a radio operator and instructor, and was stationed at high-security Laranz station in Twillingate, Newfoundland for the remainder of World War II.

After the war, he continued his education in San Francisco, taking accounting classes, then working in the business end of education for 30 years at San Francisco, Santa Clara, Watsonville and Santa Maria. He retired as Assistant Superintendent of Business from Santa Maria Joint Union School District after serving from 1967-1983. Warren was a member of the Santa Clara and Santa Maria Rotary Clubs for 25 years. He was also a member of the Association of School Business Officials (national), and the California Association of School Business Officials, holding various offices in these organizations. Warren was interested in genealogy, music, and gambling - especially horse racing! He was never known for his lack of opinions and had a terrific sense of humor, which was apparent to everyone he met.

Warren is survived by his wife of 32 years Sally Burns of Santa Maria daughters Patricia Ward of Springfield, OR. Kathleen Lawson of Koloa, HI. Maureen Miller of Irvine, CA. and Teresa Wade-Jones of Cupertino, CA. He is survived by his brother, Sherman V. Burns of Scottsdale, AZ. and his sisters Anita Nethercutt of Paso Robles, CA. and Claire Verducci of Reno, NV. He is also survived by his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Kelleher and his parents Sherman V. and Anita Burns.

To all of his family, he was a dear, funny and principled gentleman.

With all My love,
Your nephew Kenny