WAU Mourns the Death of Former Head of Physical Education Jim Burns

Takoma Park, Md. (April 24, 2017) Washington Adventist University (WAU) is mourning the death of James William Burns III, an alumnus, former coach of the gymnastics team and head of Physical Education. He passed away last week on April 19 at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. He will long be remembered for his love of life and his positive attitude, as well as his penchant for doing handstands on the roof and his passion for running.

Burns earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at WAU (then known as Columbia Union College), and he remained to serve the college for most of his career in the Physical Education Department, and later in the Library as the circulation manager. He also earned a master’s degree from the University of Maryland and worked toward a doctorate degree.

“By all accounts, Jim Burns was kind, generous and had a great sense of humor,” said WAU President Weymouth Spence, Ed.D. “He loved the Lord and led by example, and he served as an inspiration to others.”

Burns leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Marlene, and his two daughters Lisa and Melanie, along with their husbands and five grandchildren.

Burial will be on Tuesday, April 25 at 2 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, Maryland 20746. For details or to share condolences online, go to http://www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net/obituary/james-william-burns-iii/ .

#  #  #

Washington Adventist University is Montgomery County’s only four-year private college. Part of the Seventh-day Adventist system of higher education, Washington Adventist University has been educating college students since 1904 on a 19-acre campus in suburban Takoma Park, close to the nation’s capital. Approximately 1,100 students of all faiths participate in the university’s nine graduate and 42 undergraduate programs. The 2016 edition of U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington Adventist University among the best regional colleges in the north.

Media Contacts:
Angie Crews, 301-891-4134, acrews@wau.edu
Donna Bigler, 240-286-1169, dbigler@wau.edu