Wilton, NY - John J. (Jay) Burns, Sr. passed away Oct. 25, 2011 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. He was 82. Born on May 22, 1929 in the town of Hebron, he was the son of the late William and Geneva ( Clute ) Burns. In his younger years he liked to travel and have a good time always having a story or two to tell. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict in Germany transporting equipment and goods between bases. Honorably discharged in 1952 he began his lifelong love of traveling as an over the road truck driver. In the early 1960's he settled down somewhat and went to work for Ashton Ready Mix of Glens Falls, then later he went to work for J.H. Mahloy trucking. During his time there he worked on building many of the area's major highways. In 1980 he left there and went back to Ashton Ready Mix, retiring in 1986 due to illness. Jay had many hobbies and passions during his life which included traveling with his wife, camping with family and friends and fishing. He also enjoyed watching a good boxing match and loved his stock car racing, especially NASCAR. In recent years as his health declined, one of his highlights was his weekly visit with his sister Mae, who also was in declining health. In addition to his parents, Jay was predeceased by his two brothers, William and James; his cherished sister, Grace (Mae) Rice; baby sister Yvonne and son John J. Burns, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Frances M. (Jackson) Burns; two sons, James Michael Burns of South Glens Falls and Brian K. (EllaMae) Burns of Wilton; daughter, Geneva ( Archie) Ayala of Lake Luzerne; three brothers, Joseph (Marguerite) Burns of Wilton, Clarence (Norma) Burns of Scotia and Francis (Sharon) Burns of PA; 6 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jay's family would like to thank the staff of the Surgical ICU at Albany Medical Center for their care and compassion. There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be at 11am Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at Maplewood Cemetery, Loudon Rd., Saratoga Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.