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JAMES JOSEPH BURKE
Date of Passing: Nov 11, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAMES JOSEPH BURKE In a gentle end to a challenging journey, Professor James Joseph Burke died peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2013 at 7:25 p.m. at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg. From dawn until the night of that last day Jim's wife Ruth, daughter Jessica and friends were around him. He was 75 years old and is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Jessica and Kelley Jo Burke, son-in-law Eric Eggertson, Jessica's children Adam and Zephrenn, Kelley Jo's children Jessica, Samuel and Finn, sister-in-law Pamela Burke, and nieces Jennifer, Catherine and Sarah and their families. Jim is predeceased by his parents, his son, Stephen and his brother Jeffrey Burke. Born in 1938 in Concord, New Hampshire, Jim grew up playing football, singing in choirs, and, like all Burke men, enjoying a good game of poker. To the great joy of parents who hugely valued education, Jim not only became the first of his generation to attend college, doing an under degree at Springfield College and then graduate work at the University of Massachusetts, but became an academic himself, working first as a high school history teacher, then a professor, first at the University of Massachusetts. He met Ruth Ellen Adams while teaching high school in Massachusetts. After the birth of their second child, the couple immigrated to Canada and adopted a third child. Jim joined the University of Manitoba's Student Services, becoming a much-loved guidance counselor to many young students. In those years, he played hard, especially at hockey, sang around campfires, thought deep, and generally loved the life of a young family man with Ruth and the kids. At the age of 39 Jim was diagnosed with what was then an inoperable brain tumor, and told he had less than a year to live. In fact, he went on to live another 36 years, celebrated a total of 52 anniversaries with his much loved Ruth, saw all his children grow to adulthood, and became a grandfather five times. A rational and spiritual man it was only the loss of son Stephen in 2005 that seemed to shake Jim's lifelong belief that life was only tragic if perceived as so. The family would like to thank the staff of Vista Park Lodge and the Victoria General Hospital 4 South for their kindness and good care. In accordance with Jim's clearly stated wishes, a cremation has been performed, and there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2013
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I never had James Burke as a teacher at Narragansett Regional High School in Templeton, MA, but he was my varsity school soccer coach for 4 years and an excellent one at that. I've been looking for him for the past few years and with the help from one of my 1965 classmates I finally did. - Posted by: David C. liukkonen (former high school student) on: Jan 14, 2015
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Back in 1965 James Burke was our economics teacher at Narragansett Regional High School in Templeton, MA. He challenged us, cajoled us and dared us to think for ourselves; all with that wonderful sense of humor. My condolences to the whole family. - Posted by: anne starkey schelzig (former student) on: Jul 03, 2014
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I have warm memories of our times together when we were all very young at Walker Elementary School in Concord, NH - Jimmy and his brother Jeff. Jimmy and I were Mary and Joseph in our school Christmas pageant! Both boys exuded goodness and were very nice looking too!! My condolences to the whole family. Lois - Posted by: Lois Stickney Magenau (Friend from Walker Elementary School in Concord, NH) on: Jan 02, 2014
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All my love to my beautiful nieces and to my other "sister". I will always think of Jimmy, Jeff, and Jim seated around the table on Donavan Street laughing, singing and arguing philosophy. Maybe they still are. Auntie Pam - Posted by: Pamela Burke (sister-in-law) on: Nov 21, 2013
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My sympathies to the family on the passing of their beloved husband and father, and grandfather. I only met Mr Burke once, but heard many wonderful things about him through Ruth. My prayers are with you all at his time. - Posted by: Darcy Pich-Duncan (Friend of Ruth's) on: Nov 20, 2013
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My love to all of you. - Posted by: Mary Burke Welch (1st Cousin, Daughter of Charlie Burke) on: Nov 19, 2013
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While in high school every Friday after the dance at the "Y" we would go over to Frank's house and play poker. Every class reunion Jim's name comes up. May he rest in peace - Posted by: Christos Lillios (1956 classmate Concord NH) on: Nov 18, 2013
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The obituary was beautifully written. Allows my heart to sing for Kelley Jo to have had such a beautiful and heart lit guide in her life. She appreciates so has known appreciation, she is caring and has known care, she is wise and has been guided in life and after life. In celebration of a life well lived I send my condolences to all who miss James's person on this planet, and also my love of his life lived now in eternal love. Blessings and love light to all, Kelley Jo huge hug my friend, Heidi - Posted by: Heidi Little (Friebd of Kelley Jo Burke) on: Nov 18, 2013
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My and my husband's heartfelt condolences to the family. I only knew him through Kelley's descriptions, but I know he was a wonderful father and grandfather and he will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Maja Malks (sister-in-law to his daughter Kelley Jo Burke) on: Nov 17, 2013
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