John Henry Burns Obituary
Mr. John Henry Burns, 77, resident of Archdale, died July 21, 2025, at High Point Medical Center. He was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on November 6, 1947, to John Henry Burns, Sr. and Helen Elizabeth (Plue) Burns. He grew up in West Milford, New Jersey.
A veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, Mr. Burns attended the U.S. Naval School of Music and performed as a trumpeter in the 76th Army Band in West Germany. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Appalachian State University in 1974 and a Master’s in Music Supervision in 1980. A lifelong educator and exceptional musician, Mr. Burns was the director of bands at Floyd County (VA) High School, T.W. Andrews High School, and Thomasville Senior High School. He retired as Vice Principal of Thomasville Middle School in 2007.
He is survived by his wife, the former Amy Story, who he married in 1986. Also surviving is his son, John David Burns (Janice Skelly) of Raleigh; four daughters, Jennifer Johnson (Tim) of Morganton, Rev. Megan Argabrite (Eric) of Charlotte, Laura Burns of High Point and Carol Burns of Greensboro; and seven grandchildren: Duncan, Eleanor, and Lincoln Burns of Raleigh, Emma Johnson of Kernersville, Cole Johnson of Morganton, and Evie and Davey Argabrite of Charlotte. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Dennis E. Burns, in 2003. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his brilliant musicianship, his sense of humor and his inquisitive mind. He loved teaching, jazz, fishing, photography, meteorology, good dogs, Dad jokes, and - even at 77 - a good video game.
A celebration of life service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4, in the chapel of Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org), the Hospital at Home Program c/o Atrium Health Foundation at 7800 Providence Rd. Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28226 (www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/tribute), or National Public Radio (www.npr.org).
Online condolences can be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale.