James Edward Buroker, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born in Marshall, WI, and raised in Beloit, WI, Jim was a man of unwavering kindness, love, and humor. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His positive outlook on life touched the lives of all who knew him. 

He pursued his education at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN, earning an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He retired in 2002 from the James River Paper Corporation after a distinguished career spanning over 37 years in the paper industry. 

Jim faced the challenges of his final years with extraordinary grace and dignity, despite being a double amputee. He now rests in well-deserved peace. He was a true friend, offering patient guidance and thoughtful support, all without judgment, to those around him. Jim was a standout high school athlete, avid golfer, formidable Euchre player and lifelong sports enthusiast. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Rotonda West, Florida.

Jim will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Barbara; his daughters, Michelle (Ken) Kilgore, Jamie (Scott) Taylor, Barbara (Joseph) Czapski and Jane (Amy Russell) Hope; his grandchildren Mackenzie Kilgore, Lauren Kilgore, Bryan (Keely) Knickerbocker, Kayla (Kyle) Neal, Justin (Lexie Beeke) Mansager, Scott (Malerie) Taylor, Shane Taylor, Dana (JJ) Schmidt and Michael (Esther) Czapski; his great grandchildren Gypsy and Ariel Knickerbocker, Walker and Carter Neal, and Lillian and Autumn Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Darlene Buroker; his son, John Buroker; his sisters, Judy Buchs and Nancy Stiener, brother-in-law Joel Stiener, and his wife Janice Buroker.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Truewood Memory Care in Port Charlotte for their compassionate and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

You are invited to join us in celebrating Jim's life on Monday, April 7th. Visitation will be held at Englewood Community Funeral Home from 10:00 AM, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Lynn Ferris, Cantor with St. Francis of Assisi. Following a private graveside service at Venice Memorial Gardens, we will continue to honor Jim with a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post #113 in Rotonda West, FL, starting at 12:30 PM. 

James Edward Buroker was a pillar of his family and community. He leaves a legacy defined by love, resilient positivity in the face of adversity, and the genuine warmth of a man who lived by strong values. We will deeply miss his smile and his easy laugh.