Jack Arthur Burns

Jack Arthur Burns was born on December 7, 1933, and was raised by his mother, Bernice (Ball) Green in Portland, Oregon.

Jack and Laurrene were married January 31, 1953, in their hometown of Portland, Oregon. Together they raised their four daughters: Cathy Miller, Karen Burns (Bill), Sally Urlin (Allan) and Jacqueline Zehner (Bill). Grandchildren; Heather Miller, Justin Miller, Laura Evans (Mike) and Jack Urlin. And three great grandsons; Shawn, Evan Miller and Joseph Hockman.

Jack proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1953 “Once a marine always a marine.” 

Jack and Laurrene were ballroom dancing instructors throughout Oregon. They loved having their daughters working with them as record-girls. Beginning in 1967 they embarked on a series of voyages, traveling the world as entertainers and dance instructors on cruise ships. 

Jack was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 beginning 1962. In the late 1970’s he began his career as an apprenticeship instructor for the SMW16. He was instrumental in growing the apprenticeship program from 20 to over 200 apprentices when he retired. Jack was honored when he was bestowed the title “The apprentice’s best friend”. He was devoted to the apprentices and worked tirelessly to help them succeed in their craft. In 2000, he retired as the SMART Local 16 Assistant Director where he developed course content and conducted training classes. Throughout his life many of his apprentices have thanked him for the impact he made upon their careers and lives. Several have also remained in contact with calls, cards on his birthday and holidays.

He had a strong faith in Jesus. He was very involved in church and bible study; both as a participant and a leader. In his late 30s he developed a method of memorization that he applied to committing bible verses to memory. Throughout his life he used this method. There were countless verses he could recite at moment’s notice. 

In 2000, Jack and Laurrene moved from Portland to Palm Springs. They loved residing in sunny Palm Springs with the beautiful blue skies, palm trees and abundant dancing opportunities. Palm Springs, “where the average temperature and the average age are both 80”, as he always said. 

In the summers they enjoyed traveling many routes between SoCal and the PNW with special focus on visiting the National Parks. They tent camped along the way, had many memorable adventures and enjoyed both the journeys and the destinations. They spent much of their summer seasons in the PNW reuniting with family and friends.

For many years Jack and Laurrene were proud volunteers at the Bob Hope USO of Palm Springs. They regularly met Marines, serving the men and women in the U.S. military and their families traveling through PSP at the USO where they would feed them and provide transportation to/from 29 Palms. They made many friendships with fellow volunteers and were honored to support our troops. They received many recognitions for their hours of volunteer service. 

They were very philanthropic, contributing to many organizations that supported Our Lord’s work at home and throughout the world.

Jack loved: Jesus; Laurrene; His family and friends; singing songs, creating lyrics and dancing; he was an avid reader, especially on the topics of the bible and US military; camping and always being prepared with a poncho, camp stove or any survival gear needed at all times (he was a survivalist); the USMC; the SMW16; the NBA and his favorite player Steph Curry; the weather channel; Classic Movies & TV. Some of his favorite entertainers included: Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk, Doris Day, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gormé, Huel Howser, Molly B’s Polka Parties, and that’s just to name a few. And he regularly tuned in to Dr. Charles Stanley, Jack Graham and John Bradshaw on Sunday mornings.

Jack and Laurrene’s life statement to their daughters and family was “think of us and remember how much our Lord loves you and we love you too.”

The love of his life, Laurrene Alice Magedanz Burns passed away in 2019. He honored Laurrene’s memory in the years after her passing in many ways. He always had poster sized photos of her with him, even on camping trips!

When he was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, he said that instead of treatment he wanted “the fastest path to paradise”. 

On December 30th, 2024, he received his promotion to heaven surrounded by loved ones at his home in Cathedral City, California.

A graveside service is scheduled on July 28, 2025, at 11am at Rose City Cemetery in Portland, Oregon (5625 NE Fremont St).