James E. Burks

James Edward Burks, age 87, passed away on October 29, 2025. James was born on April 8, 1938, to James W. Burks and Lois V (Ely) Burks. He was a 1956 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and received his BSME Degree from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in 1961. He married Phyllis Jane Skaggs on January 21,1961 in the parsonage at Englewood Christian Church. James and Jane were members at East 38th St., Ben Davis, and Fleming Garden Christian Churches. James worked at Allison Transmission for 35 years, retiring in 1992. He then worked for Accent Technical Communications as a tech writer and editor from 1992-2006. He was a part time minister to senior adults at Ben Davis Christian Church from 2005-2019. James was an elder and longtime adult Sunday school teacher at Ben Davis Christian Church. From teenage years through adulthood, he enjoyed playing baseball, softball, basketball, football, and cards with family and friends. He enjoyed golf and fishing, especially the fishing trips to Canada, Michigan, and Minnesota.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Walter N. Burks, and Roy D. Burks (Marilyn) his sister, Sandra L. Allen (Robert) He is survived by his loving three children, James P. Burks (Laura), Jennifer L. Carmichael (Kevin), and Joan E. Burks. He leaves behind four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his brothers, Ted A. Burks (Carol), Terry E. (Liesa) Burks, and sister, Sherry L. Johnson (Lance).

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Family Funeral Care Rockville West located at 5791 Rockville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224.

James’s funeral service will be Thursday, November 6 at 11:00 am at Family Funeral Care Rockville West.

Burial will follow at Floral Park Cemetery 425 Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.