I had Mr. Burns for 6th grade at Harlan and the all three grades at Welch Junior High, and he was such a kind and patient teacher. I will never forget the fun time I had in band! I especially remember "Swinging Mr. Moon"! He loved music and passed it on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken Clark

John, you were just a light in life. I will never forget our talks about persimmons your son would send you. You and Pat made sure I got one 2 years running & made sure I knew the nutrition facts. Rest in peace.

Mr. Burns was one of my favorite teachers. Kind and gentle in his approach. What a beautiful tribute to him. The video captured his love of music. My condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear this news! Mr. Burns helped me develop my percussion skills for three years at Welch Jr. High! I had many different opportunities to play drumset and other percussion instruments under his guidance! I also enjoyed playing in the Ames Municipal Band with him for several years! Now playing his trumpet up in heaven. I know he will be missed!
Sally Shaver DuBois

Thank you, John Burns,
You were one of a kind and an inspiration to many of us Ames kids. He did not only teach band to children, he also taught those of us who aspired to play a stringed instrument. I was only in third grade when I met John Burns and he became my cello teacher. His patience with such a young student was extraordinary and was the kind of encouragement I needed and was why so many of his students liked him so much. He earned our respect as he persisted to work with us and turn our performance into something that sounded pretty decent! He will be fondly remembered.
Mary Clare Denisen Cobb

Paula and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you and your loved ones mourn the passing of your dear father.
I will always remember coming to your home in junior high to have clarinet lessons from your dad. I loved being in the band at Welch under his direction. Such wonderful memories...
With heartfelt sympathies, Betty Jo Burnet Smith

A tribute to John Burns.
We both came to the Ames band program in 1962. John was the veteran teacher and I was in my first year of teaching. He was a well-liked teacher who got along with all who came in contact with him. He was a very pleasant person who was sincere, polite and interested in what you were doing. As a teacher, all students enjoyed working with him because of his calm demeanor and genuine concern and as a result his groups were always well prepared and played literature that the students enjoyed. He played an important role in the structure of a 5-12 band program. While teaching at Welch Junior High School he developed the students to move to a large high school band program. Ames was fortunate to have such an excellent teacher for all students. He will long be remembered for his work and contributions. John was also an excellent trumpet player in various dance bands and ensembles. His skills in dance band/jazz band were well known. I also, had the pleasure to have John and his skilled trumpet skills in the Ames City Band for 25 years. When John and I traveled to the Midwest Band Festival in Chicago, in addition to the activities of the convention, we found time to attend many jazz settings. We always had great times and conversations together.

Homer Gartz
Retired AHS Band Director, Retired Municipal Band Director

I remember John when he came to Huxley Consolidated School in the late 1950"s. He taught my wife, Rowena Accola, band at both Ballard in Huxley and Slater. He was a really nice guy. Nels Nord

John's magic with the trumpet will always be a part of us and the hundreds of students he taught over the many years. We will always remember his gift of music to us and his humility. We will all miss him. With love and condolences to Pat and his wonderful family.

Paula and Family, Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. It’s never easy to lose a parent, no matter their age or yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Susan & Allen Knapp

I am very sorry for your loss.The music will play on in our hearts. Sending peace and love to all of you. -Jenny Johannsen (Ames Municipal Band member and granddaughter of Bette and Roger Coulson)