I am terribly sad to have learned about the passing of Mr. Burke. I lived across the street from Mr. and Mrs. Burke for several years, and grew up with John and Stacey. I have countless memories to enjoy - from fishing, to watching football, to practicing shot put in the empty lot next door. Jim Burke was part of the fabric of my childhood and early adulthood. He was always kind, unendingly supportive, and immensely intelligent. I was a bit of an orphan, and he was always willing to let me in the door. My heart is with Mrs. Burke, Stacey, John, and all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim was a real treasure, and it was a joy to know him.  He lived life to the fullest, whether it was running trains, flying drones, sharing a meal, or enjoying a glass of wine.  We always felt he was enjoying every moment.  We loved his stories about the "old days" - his memories of the Hotel Del when he was a boy, growing up on a citrus farm, his service in Vietnam, square dancing with Eva (we're still trying to picture that!), his career as a commercial fisherman, etc.  He was always young at heart and great fun to be around.  We loved him like family and will remember him always.

Jim was one of 3 electrical wizards who made our Toy Train Gallery layout in the San Diego Model Railroad Museum one of the best 3 rail layouts in America.  He and I made many train show trips to Tucson to share our wares and stories with the Arizona train lovers.  He and I shared stories about our time and experiences in the Navy over the many years we spent together in the train hobby.  I will miss him dearly.

Our last trip together was a trip to Vegas. We had an absolute blast drinking tiki drinks, walking on Fremont Street and just spending time together. Jim will always be remembered as one of the very best people ever. It was an honor to spend time with him.

I love how he always took the time to soend time with us over the years .

Jim loved to BBQ when we would get together and he was quite the grill master!

Jim was always part of our daughter Alex’s life. When are daughter was born, they were the first people to meet her. We were so lucky to have him in our lives through all the wonderful years.

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  He was a major member of Gary Hickok's crew that kept the Old Town Model Railroad layout up and running for years.  A great guy who always had a story about his service to our country and other adventures in his long life.  An electric/electronics whiz who spent many hours under that layout in Old Town.  There  was no wiring problem he couldn't solve. R.I.P.
Bob Cain

I ran trains with Jim for 25 years 
I’m gonna miss him dearly

Inurnment

Pacific Beach - La Jolla Chapel

James Burke

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

OBITUARY

James Henry Burke

1 August, 1939 – 9 December, 2025

Pacific Beach – La Jolla Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services