May 3, 1932 - December 10, 2025
OBITUARY
Dr. Darrell Raymond Burns Jr. was born on May 3, 1932, in Seattle, Washington to Darrell Raymond Burns Sr. and Alice Mary Hastings Burns. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where like his mother Alice, he became a gifted storyteller, delighting family with tales of childhood adventures with beloved pets and summer days along the shores of Puget Sound with his younger brother Gary.
The son of a gardener, Darrell developed an early and lasting appreciation for nature and local botany. By the age of eight, he knew he wanted to become a physician. His family later moved to California, where he attended Sequoia High School in Redwood City. There he played tenor saxophone in the school band, ran track, and graduated with a curiosity and discipline that would define his life.
Darrell earned his bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine from Stanford University where he met Jeaninne, his future wife. Both graduated from Stanford and were married in the Stanford University Chapel, beginning a partnership that lasted 68 years and spanned life’s transitions, travels, medical challenges, and shared accomplishments.
He went on to attend Stanford Medical School where he specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Darrell often recalled memorable moments from his medical school years, including fainting during his first surgery observation. Reflecting at his 40th Stanford Medical School reunion, he said, “I am grateful for the time at Stanford, acquiring the tools to fashion a successful life and practice in medicine.” Darrell and Jeaninne remained lifelong supporters of Stanford athletics and the university’s alumni and medical programs.
Darrell completed an internship with the U.S. Public Health Service, beginning in Seattle and continuing in Washington, D.C., where the couple welcomed their first child Keith, and later in Oklahoma, where Darrell provided medical care to members of the Cherokee Nation. The family then returned to San Francisco, a city he and Jeaninne loved, where he completed his residency at Kaiser San Francisco and was subsequently offered a position there. During this time they welcomed their daughter Kathleen into the world.
From 1965 to 1969, Darrell served as Chief of Obstetrics at Kaiser South San Francisco. He later became Chief of Obstetrics at Kaiser Redwood City. Seeking greater autonomy and more personalized patient care, Darrell established a private OB-GYN practice in Stockton in 1971, with Jeaninne serving as his office manager – further evidence of their lifelong partnership.
A pioneer in obstetrical care, Darrell advocated for fathers to be present in delivery and operating rooms providing the opportunity to participate in umbilical cord cutting. He introduced the Lamaze and Leboyer methods to Stockton promoting gentler birthing practices. Darrell played a key role in the development of the NICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital. During his 29 years at Saint Joseph's he served on a variety of committees and positions including Medical Director and in 1997 became the full-time Medical Director of the first UC Davis OB-GYN clinic in Stockton. Over the course of his career, Dr. Burns delivered approximately 9,300 babies.
In retirement Darrell devoted himself wholeheartedly to reading, cooking, exploring global cuisines and delighting in sharing meals with family and friends. He and Jeaninne traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, the Panama Canal, Europe, England, and Ireland. Darrell was also honored to travel twice to China with a doctor ambassador program.
Darrell and Jeaninne shared a lifelong appreciation for art and collected works by emerging California artists, an influence that led both of their children to earn degrees in art. Known for his cartoons and doodles for many years, Darrell, encouraged by Kathleen, pursued formal artistic studies in retirement at Delta College and the University of the Pacific. Working in a variety of mediums, he became deeply engaged in the local art community and created more than 200 works of art.
Darrell was active in community life which included volunteer work with his local Rotary Club, book and play reading groups, bridge and poker circles, and outdoor pursuits including camping, backpacking, hiking, and kayaking. He was known as a positive, thoughtful, and generous man, a ready giver of hugs, a devoted listener, and a disciplined lifelong learner who remained physically active until shortly before his passing.
Above all, Darrell cherished his family. His love of life, nature, beauty, food, and art lives on through his wife Jeaninne, their two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a devoted physician, artist, mentor, husband, father, and friend, and a man whose compassion, curiosity, and creativity left a lasting impact on his patients, his community, and all who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, at Central United Methodist Church at 3700 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA, 95204.
The service will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a reception and art display.
In honor of his love for art and Hawaiian shirts please consider dressing colorfully.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hospice of San Joaquin.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burns family.
