James Burke

Life Story James "Jim" Burke USAF (ret) passed away peacefully at his home in Meridian, Idaho on Friday, January 29, 2016. James was born in Palestine, Texas on July 21, 1936 to Efflin and Sadie Burke. James served his country honorably with 22 years of service in the United States Air Force. He worked in avionics and retired in 1974. Following military retirement he had a distinguished career at the Nevada Test Site working for EG&G for 19 years. He was also employed by the State of Nevada Motor Vehicle Department for several years. He married the love of his life, Maudie Mae Dearlove in San Antonio, Texas and they lived like newlyweds for almost 59 years. Together they raised three children, Jacqueline, Jyl and Jeffrey. He is predeceased by his parents and his son, Jeffrey Bruce Burke. Jim loved to travel to new places and was a history buff. He and the family spent many summers traveling the United States with camping trailers and he rarely passed up a historical marker. He earned an Associate's Degree in History from The College of Southern Nevada and was in one of the first graduating classes at the school. James and his wife traveled extensively and lived in Texas, Illinois, Japan, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, and England. They both loved the cruise life and traveled to Mexico and Alaska together. In his younger years James was very athletic, He loved to swim, play football and baseball. His favorite sport was golf and he enjoyed sharing golf stories with his daughter Jyl after she took up the game. Jim rarely turned down a game of cards or tiles. He admired John Wayne, westerns and watched Gunsmoke faithfully. He was an ardent Bronco fan. Jim lived his life by a code of fairness, integrity, honesty and Christian values. He was an active member of the Meridian United Methodist Church. Jim was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and Gpa. He was a steadfast friend and a mentor to many young men in the family. He is survived by his wife Maudie, daughters, Jacqueline (David) Matthews and Jyl Adams, 6 grandchildren: Julie (Keith) Danielson, Jessica (John) Custer, Loyd and Heather Burke; Jennifer (Justin) Clercx, and Jason (Jessica) Dodd. James and Maudie have 11 great-grandchildren: Tara, Sienna, Charley and Madelyn Dodd; Harley and Haven Burke; Aiden and Austin Clercx; Cameron and Chloe Custer; and Elaine Dimock. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Meridian United Methodist Church, 240 E. Idaho Ave., Meridian, Idaho. Interment will follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, Boise, Idaho. Remembrances may be left for the family at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian, Idaho.