Background
Burns, James M. was born on November 24, 1924 in Portland.
Burns, James M. was born on November 24, 1924 in Portland.
Bachelor in Business Administration, University Portland, 1947. Juris Doctor cum laude, Loyola University, Chicago, 1950.
Private practice, Portland, 1950-1952. District attorney Harney County, Oregon, 1952-1956. Associate Black, Kendall, Tremaine, Boothe and Higgins, Portland, 1956-1960.
Partner Beason, Whitely McCleanan and Burns, 1960-1966. Judge Oregon Circuit Court, Multnomah County, 1966-1972. Member faculty National Judicial College, from 1972.
Judge The United States of America District Court Oregon, Portland, 1972-1989, chief judge, 1979-1984, senior judge, from 1989. Member Oregon Criminal Law Revision Commission, 1967-1972. Chairman continuing legal education committee Oregon State Bar, 1965-1966.
Faculty advisor National Judicial College, 1971.
Member Oregon Circuit Judges Association (president 1967-1970), United States Judicial Conference (committee on administration of probation system 1978-1987).