James Harry Burke

SIOUX CITY | James Harry Burke, born to John Edward Burke and Olive Beatrice (Eriksen) Burke on April 3rd, 1934 in Sioux City, Iowa, completed his journey on this Earth on June 29th, 2015. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2015 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online at www.meyerbroschapels.com. After graduation from East High School, Sioux City in 1952, he served in the Iowa Air National Guard for 13years. Jim also served as a Freemason since 1959 achieving a 32nd Degree. Jim was united in marriage to Mary (Moffatt) Burke on January 3rd, 1965. Jim and Mary had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They were "on the road" in their motor home traveling from their home in Mesa, AZ to Okoboji, IA, to continue the celebration with family and friends. Jim and Mary traveled to Tijeras, NM, East of Albuquerque. While camping overnight Jim went to sleep and woke up in Heaven. What a glorious reunion he must have had with his family and friends who preceded him. Jim's career was in the Telecommunications Industry, starting as a lineman with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1952. He held various positions in craft and management in Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and Omaha. Jim finished his career with AT&T in 1985. After retirement Jim and a partner started Kure Associates, a telecommunications company. Jim retired for a second time in 1990. Jim had a love affair with sports enjoying; jogging, racquetball, aerobics, cycling, swimming, weight-lifting, golf, tennis, softball, snow-skiing, and waterskiing. Jim completed multiple marathons, triathlons, and RAGBRAI events. His true passion was coaching and mentoring his children in sports, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities. His leisure activities included motorcycling, boating, hunting, fishing, and camping. Jim loved traveling the roads of the U.S. with Mary in their RV. He often said he wanted to take his bed everywhere he could. Jim is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary (Moffatt) Burke. Children; Connie Armit (fiancé, Jeff Carpenter), Betsy Rydell (Pat), Tina Bower, Terry Burke (Leta), Matt Burke (Holly), Brad Burke (Shanna) and left an incredible legacy for his 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Jim was also blessed with many extended family and longtime friends. His family is reassured that he passed comfortably living the lifestyle he loved most.