James Martin Bourke

Jim was born in Chicago, IL, on November 21, 1940. He grew up on the north side of Chicago. He had a fondness for music and purchased his first guitar as a teen and began playing country music and entertaining. He read music notes, but he also played by ear. In addition, as a teenager, he worked on a horse farm and broke horses. He was an extra in a western movie. He obtained his GED, worked in offices in Chicago, and served in the army from 1959-1962. He was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. Along with his army duties, he played country music. He married and returned to Chicago and was honorably discharged. After his tour of duty, he played country music professionally, and he had his own television show for a time. He wrote music, and he was the lead singer of his band. His group was the opening act for noted artists including Waylon Jennings, Roy Clark and others.

Besides playing music, he trained as a carpenter, and began working in construction. Timothy Charles and Gary Martin Bourke were born in 1963 and 1965. His construction activities became his main source of income, and he worked in rough and finished carpentry along with roofing. He played country music on weekends. He met Carol Dettmering while playing country music at Carol’s dad’s tavern and restaurant in Matteson, Illinois. After his divorce, he married Carol and together they had two children--Daniel Allen and Barbara Ann Bourke born in 1970 and 1973. They lived in Crete, Illinois, and attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Steger, Illinois, where they were active members. He helped with cub scouts and was a Webelos co-leader. Jim continued to work in construction, and later started his own business. In 1984, the family moved to Cocoa, Florida. Jim worked as a carpenter when a skill saw accident occurred that almost cut his leg half off. During his recovery, he drew their house plans, and after rehabilitation built their home in Port St. John. Jim and Carol attended and became members of Faith Lutheran Church, Merritt Island, Florida. He was active and participated in church functions. A new sanctuary was under construction, and Jim designed and built the church altar, pulpit, lectern, baptismal font, and communion rail. He also did this for two other Lutheran churches in Florida. He owned Quality Woodwork and Supply, Inc. in Cocoa, and built custom cabinets and sold hardwood lumber until he retired in 2006.

Throughout his career, he and Carol supported school and church activities. There were baptisms, confirmations and school academic and sports functions. Jim and Carol transported the cross country team and the cheerleading squad. When grandchildren were born, Jim continued to support school activities. Jim and Carol were Odyssey of the Mind chaperones. Jim pulled the Challenger Elementary School float for a number of years with his truck and trailer for the Christmas Holiday parade. Jim helped others with construction projects. Jim was the biggest supporter of his wife, Carol, as she completed coursework to earn her doctorate. Jim transported his in-laws to medical appointments and helped them with house repairs. Jim enjoyed working around his home and garden. He was creative and built most of the furniture in their home. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and was an upbeat, optimistic person. He enjoyed people and bringing happiness to others.

He is survived by his wife Carol Bourke, son, Daniel Bourke and wife, Lori, of Pt. St. John, FL; daughter, Barbara McCallister, and husband Chris of Titusville, FL; six grandchildren—Laurel Groninger (Chase); Jonathon Bourke; Madelyn Allison; Faith Bourke; Gavin McCallister; Grant McCallister; 2 great-grandchildren—Easton and Auldon Groninger; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for James will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, 280 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL with a Celebration of Life starting at 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or School, 280 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, Florida.

The family expresses gratitude to the Brevard County Rescue Squad; Viera Hospital Emergency doctor and team; Coastal Health Transport to Holmes Regional Heart Center; ICU doctors, nurses and staff for the care and compassion provided to Jim.