John Howard Burke

John was born on December 18, 1965, to James and Eloise Burke in Melrose Park, IL. After attending high school, John went on to join the US Navy serving aboard the USS New Jersey BB-62 in Lebanon. He was always proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country. Upon release, John came home to join the family business as owner/operators of a chain of Sonic Drive-In's and, lastly, a Zaxby's Restaurant in and around the Tuscaloosa.He was married and started a family, his children, Kyle and Jamie, were considered his pride and joy.

During his life, John struggled with substance abuse. On December 26, 2011, after suffering from the consequences of his behavior, he surrendered and began participating in a 12-step program of recovery in Alabama. In March 2012, John came to Corpus Christi at the request of his father who was seriously ill after a stroke. Upon arriving, he immediately found an Alcoholics Anonymous homegroup at New Phoenix Group, as well as a sponsor. He spent his days helping care for his dad, however his main priority was to remain focused on his sobriety by attending and participating in meetings one day at a time. Over the years, his life completely changed. John began to trust God and demonstrated a new outlook upon life. He became highly regarded, loved, and admired by his fellows at NPG for his dedication and willingness to share his experience, strength, and hope, especially with newcomers. No matter the hardship, he never picked up a drink again. By the grace of God, John had 12 years, 7 months, and 18 days of continuous sobriety, and died sober. He was a miracle and testament of how God could and would if he were sought.

John's hobbies included playing golf, poweror blackjack, and he never missed a game of his favorite college football team, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He could often be heard hollering "ROLL TIDE!"

In 2013, John experienced two milestones in his life. He learned a new career and became a furniture salesman when he joined the team at Empire Furniture for Less. Over time, his confidence grew through the support of his colleagues and mentors. They became like family and remain that way to this day.

Also, that year he met the love of his life, Anita Cisneros, at a NPG game night. She called his bluff at Texas Hold 'Em and won the tournament. Let's say, they both won. John and Anita were married on November 8, 2019. On their third wedding anniversary, they received the Sacrament of Matrimony at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Their love story continues from this life to the next.

One month later, he was diagnosed with Lung cancer. He fought as long and hard as he could for two years. With his wife praying by his side, until he no longer had the strength, John passed away peacefully.

John leaves a legacy of hope and will be fondly remembered for his faith in God, dedication to sobriety, and his love of family.

John is survived by his daughter Jaime Burke, wife Anita Cisneros Burke, and sister Jana Burke.

He is preceded in death by his son John Kyle Burke, brother William James Burke, father James Howard Burke and mother Eloise Chandler Burke.

The family wishes to express the utmost gratitude to Dr. Aftab Mahmood, Bay Area 4th floor medical staff and Del Cielo Hospice Care for providing exceptional, compassionate care to John in his final days.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Funeraria Del Angel 4904 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78411 from 5-9 pm. Rosary begins at 7pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 am, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5830 Williams Dr., Corpus Christi Texas, 78412