James "Jack" Burke
December 13, 2014

James Edward Jackson Burke, 82, of Baldwinsville passed away at home on Saturday December 13, 2014 with his family by his side. Born on December 12, 1932 in Burlington, Vermont, he was the son of the late Walter John and Marguerite Charland Burke. He served in the US Marine Corps, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Jack married Rutheda Whitney on April 3, 1954 … they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in American History. He was named to the national honor society Alpha Sigma Lambda, and received the Newcomen Award in recognition of Contributions to the Cause of Material History. After 32 years as Plant Engineer, he retired from Crouse Hinds in 1988. Following retirement, he founded CNY Genealogy Research, specializing in Irish and French Canadian Genealogy. He wrote and published two books on his own families' genealogies. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1276, the Baldwinsville Rod and Gun Club, and a former member of the Syracuse Pistol Club. He was the Assistant Scout Master for Troops 189 and 389 of the Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. Over the years, Jack was very dedicated and involved with St. Augustine's Parish, and was recently awarded the Immaculata Award from Bishop Cunningham.

Jack's proudest accomplishment was his family, and he loved spending summers at their family home in the Adirondacks.

Survived by his loving wife Ruth Whitney Burke; his children: Michael (Kay) Burke, Kelly (Edward Sharp) Burke of Greensboro, NC, Patricia (Bill) Karl and Brian (Robin) Burke; brother Walter (Joanne) Burke of St. Johnsbury, Vermont; grandchildren: Jamie (Bruce) DeVore, Benjamin Sharp, Jackson Sharp, Whitney Karl, Sarah Karl, Logan Karl, Natalie Karl, Lauren Burke, Kathryne Burke and Erin Burke.

Services: Wednesday 11:00 am December 17, 2014, at St. Augustine's Church, 7333 O'Brien Road, Baldwinsville. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery, Baldwinsville. The family will recieve friends 10am -11am before the mass.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Augustine's Church or the Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street NW Suite 700, Washington DC 20005.