William "Jim" James Burke, Jr.

William James "Jim" Burke, Jr., 69, of Ashland, died Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at his home. Born August 19, 1947 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of William James and Florence (Fischer) Burke.

Raised in McMurray, Pennsylvania, Jim attended Ashland College for two years. Jim joined the Ashland Police Department in 1969 leaving the department in 1977. In 1979, Jim went to work for Hyco in Ashland which was later acquired by Dana Corporation and spent the balance of his career in business, focusing on sales and marketing. Jim traveled very extensively on business covering Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico.

On August 2, 1969, Jim married his lifetime partner, Judy Mae Brockway. Jim and Judy raised two wonderful children, Carol Burke Fordham of Greenville, South Carolina and William James (Kali) Burke, III of Pickens, South Carolina. Jim is also survived by his mother, Florence Burke of Dover, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Peggy Ann (Dennis) Tilton of Dover, Pennsylvania and Nancy (Doug) Newman of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; two beloved aunts, Peg Burke and Ruth Ann Burke both of McMurray, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Jon Burke; and a son-in-law, Michael Fordham.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Paradise Hill United Methodist Church, 1491 State Route 603, Ashland conducted by Pastor Layton Broome. Friends may call one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Paradise Hill United Methodist Church, Center Presbyterian Church of McMurray, Pennsylvania or Hospice of North Central Ohio.

The Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of William "Jim" Burke, Jr.