"Betty & family- So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Betty, if we can do anything for you, please ask. Remember, he is no longer suffering, and is now in a better place. With deepest sympathy, Tom, Andy, and Jason"
In loving memory of
James Michael Burke Sr.
July 11, 1924 - May 9, 2004
JAMES BURKE SR. MUSCATINE, Iowa - James Michael Burke, Sr., 79, of 1112 Sycamore St., died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at the Muscatine Care Center. Service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, 2004, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Reverend Brenda Goodall will officiate. Pallbearers will be Timothy Burke, Aaron Burke, Cory Burke, Jason Burke, Nathan Burke, and Chris Roush. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family in care of Betty Burke. Mr. Burke was born on July 11, 1924, in Blue Island, Illinois, the son of Thomas Raymond and Viva B. Fowler Burke. He married Betty J. Kincaid on September 27, 1942, in Muscatine. James was a World War II veteran of the US Army from 1942-1946 and served in the European Theater and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He then joined the National Guard from 1946 until 1951, serving as a Platoon Sergeant. After the service James went to work for Stanley Engineering for 17 years and then worked as a product design engineer for The Hon Company for 20 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 27, he was a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., he was also a past president and hall of fame member of the Muscatine Men's Bowling Association; a member of the Elk's Chanters for 22 years, and also served as Little League manager for several years. Mr. Burke was a Chicago Cubs fan, an Iowa Hawkeye fan and an outdoorsman. He loved his family. Survivors include his wife, Betty Burke of Muscatine; four sons, James M. Burke Jr. and wife, Linda, of Muscatine, Danny D. Burke and wife, Susan, of Muscatine, Brian K. Burke of Atalissa, and Thomas S. Burke and wife, Mary, of Muscatine; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Lucille LaRue and husband, Virgil, of Davenport. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond.
Tributes
"I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. When I first started with HON 25 years ago I worked for Jim as well as Jim Drum. He was always so good to anyone he came into contact with. Always had a smile on his face, always that little chuckle, such a neat guy and neat boss. He laughed one day as I was getting to work just ahead of him... Jim said... "as long as you get here before me you're not late". And he laughed when he said it. Never rude, never abrupt, always had time to explain things if you didn't understand. What a wonderful person he was. You can be incredibly proud of your husband, dad and grandpa. He will be greatly missed. Again, I am so sorry. Sincerely, Vikki Lamp Curry"
"My condolences to Jim's Family. I was a young draftsman in the early 60's working in Jim's squad at Stanley's. What a pleasant experience, that had a life long impression on me. I regularly am reminded of those goods times and the quick humor and wit of Jim. Through all these years I still see or hear something that reminds me of Jim and brings a smile to my face. Big tall Dick Marr was also in that group and the memory of Jim standing toe to toe discussing (arguing) something and poking him in the belly was something to see. Take care, and Jim will surely be missed. Sincerely, Jim Harder"