James (Jim) William Burke, 70, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 joy-filled years, Nancy Carol Baker Burke; son Ryan Andrew Burke and his wife, Sierra Burke; son William Christopher Burke and his wife, Kamber Burke; son Zachary Morton Burke and his wife, Stephanie Burke; three grandchildren, Baker Nolle Burke, Isla James Burke, and Brody William Burke; his twin brother, Jerry Walter Burke and his wife, Patti Burke; and wonderful brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

The son of Walter Burke and Jewel Morton Burke, Jim was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1953. Jim graduated from Jordan High School and went on to study history at Columbus College. In the summers between college, Jim worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center where he made many of his life-long friends and met his future wife, Nancy. Following their time at Ridgecrest, Jim and Nancy pursued their respective Masters Degrees at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduating in 1982, Jim and Nancy were married in a double-wedding officiated by Nancy’s brother, Dr. Robert G. Baker, where Nancy’s sister, Sheri Simpson married her husband, Sam Simpson.

Following their wedding, Jim and Nancy began their life’s work in the field of ministry and elementary education. After first settling in Charleston, South Carolina, their professional callings took them to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where each of their three sons were born, and eventually to Milledgeville, Georgia and Tampa, Florida. After arriving in Tampa, Jim became an elementary school physical education teacher. “Coach Burke” was beloved by the hundreds of students he taught in class and in the after-school program at Doby Elementary. Over the years, Jim’s faith took him on mission trips across the country and overseas, including to Romania and Guatemala.

Jim battled Parkinson’s Disease for over 15 years with grace and strength. Following his diagnosis, Jim enjoyed Rock Steady boxing classes and worked hard to remain positive. He and Nancy continued to travel together, enjoying many trips to see extended family and friends, several cruises, and a memorable visit to New York City.

Jim was known to family and friends and really any stranger on the street as an avid University of Georgia Bulldog fan. He was most often seen in red and black from head to toe and was always ready to talk Georgia football. That he tolerated and even befriended some Clemson, Florida, and Alabama fans is a one of many testaments of his Christian character. The only things stronger than Jim’s Georgia fandom were his love of his family and friends and his faith.

Jim found joy at the beach, doing yard work, listening to Neil Diamond, and eating ice cream. He was funny, competitive, kind, and steadfast in his faith. He was a dedicated father to his three sons, a loving grandfather, a loyal brother, a caring friend, and a wonderful husband.

He often ended correspondence and conversations by saying “Take care my friend, you matter to me.” Jim, you mattered to so many people and you will be greatly missed. Take care.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia and additional details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone who wishes to make a contribution to the James W. Burke Memorial Fund. The fund will be used to dedicate a “buddy bench” at Doby Elementary and to provide scholarships for Rock Steady participants.

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