Kenneth Jones Burns Jr. 1926-2012

Kenneth Jones Burns, Jr., of Lake Bluff, Illinois, died peacefully with his family by his side on November 9 at age 86.

He graduated from Evanston High School in 1944. Ken began dating his wife, Edi, while in high school. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1948, and Northwestern University School of Law in 1951. At Northwestern, Ken was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Ken served on active duty in the United States Naval Reserve in both WWII and the Korean War. Ken was a partner at the law firm of Jenner & Block from 1951 – 1972. He was Senior Vice-President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Anchor Hocking Corp. in Lancaster, Ohio from 1972 – 1979. He served as Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of IMCERA Group, Inc. (formerly International Minerals & Chemical Corp.) in Northbrook from 1979 – 1993. He was active in the American Bar Association, serving as Chairman of the Junior Bar Conference (1961-62), Assistant Secretary (1967 – 1971), Secretary (1971 – 1975), President of the American Bar Endowment (1983 – 1985), and President of the American Bar Foundation (1998 – 2000).

Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, reading, and cheering for Chicago’s sports teams. He was a member since 1966 and Past President of Skokie Country Club in Glencoe.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edith Mitten Burns, their six children, Debby (Jeff) Fox, K.J. (Kathy) Burns, III, Sarah (Larry) Barden, Libby (John) Donnell, Nancy (Jose) Silva, and Andrew (Jill) Burns, their 18 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Tee, World Golf Village, 425 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32092.