Obituary of James (Jim) Ernest BURKE

January 29, 1921 - Barrow-in-Furness, England

November 13, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

James Ernest Burke, beloved husband of Gladys Burke (nee Eastham), of Calgary, AB, passed away on November 13, 2019 at the age of 98.

James was born in Barrow-in-Furness, England on January 29, 1921. He was a blacksmith by trade in England and served six years with the British Royal Marines during World War II. After the war, at the age of twenty-three, James survived his greatest challenge, losing his eye during a blacksmithing incident. On June 4, 1949 he married the love of his life, Gladys, and they celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary this past June. In 1970 they immigrated to Canada with their three boys. He worked as a carpet layer and was a beloved school custodian. Everyone knew Mr. Burke. He was a member of the Church of England and a member of St. Martin’s congregation.

Jim shared a passion for gardening, ballroom dancing, and big band music with his wife. They were well known in the ballroom of Black Pool Tower. They spent many vacations at Brock Cottage and the Isle of Mann in England and camping in the Rockies after they immigrated to Canada. He loved to sing and he loved his dogs. He truly enjoyed his English Football, as well as watching Ice Hockey and Canadian Football. His biggest passion, pride, and joy was his family. He was a man of such humour, generosity, and kindness.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his three sons James (Ann), Ian (Yu Ling), Stephen (Lynne); daughter Linda, five grandchildren Cheryl, Michael, Lexie, Christopher and Chelsea; his two great-grandchildren Anastasia and Rhyen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be forwarded by clicking here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca or the Veterans Food Bank, Bay 10 820 28^th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2A 7X1, Telephone: (403)367-8387 (FOR-VETS) https://veteransassociationfoodbank.ca/.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Jim Burke.  McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.