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John Burns III, 65, of Poplar Branch, N.C., passed away on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. John was well known throughout the Fire and EMS communities of Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. At the age of 15, he began what would evolve into 35+ years of firefighting and paramedical services by volunteering with agencies including the Driver Volunteer Fire Department and the Bennetts Creek, Nansemond Suffolk and Isle of Wight Rescue Squads. His professional career spanned several agencies including, the Portsmouth Ambulance Authority, the Port Authority of Virginia Police Department and Riverside Regional Medical Center; leading to his eventual retirement as a Captain with 20 years of employment with the City of Suffolk Department of Fire & Rescue. In addition to his many years of service to the local communities, he also honorably served in the United States Army from 1980 to 1983.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Jr. and Kathryn; brother, Dale and son, Joshua.

He leaves behind a son, Jonathan; grandson, Caleb and granddaughters, Ashley and Mackenzie.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, at R.W. Baker & Company Funeral Home, Downtown Suffolk Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Suffolk Professional Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 2801.