Ship-owner. Born in Glasgow, the elder brother of Sir George Burns (1795 - 1890), with whom he formed a partnership in the firm of J. & G. Burns. Initially the brothers began as merchants, but soon began running ships between Glasgow, Liverpool and North America. Burns was a quiet man and was responsible for managing the finances of the business, together with the merchant trading, his brother taking more of the responsibility for the shipping.
J. & G. Burns was consolidated with the business of Sir Samuel Cunard and others to form the famed Cunard Line.
Burns died at Kilmahew House, on his estate by Cardross (Argyll and Bute).
