James George Burke, 63, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Amberwood Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born May 12, 1956 in Jersey City, NJ, the son of Michael J. and Dorothy (Lotz) Quagliano. He served his country in the United States Navy, where he was stationed on the USS F.D. Roosevelt. Jim went on to serve in the United States Army Reserves. Jim married Carmen Otero on September 23, 1978. He was employed by Good Year Service and Tire for many years. Jim was a member of the VFW and lifelong member of DAV. He was a huge family man who loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially JaNaiha and Jamya Perez, and Gavin Burke. James was the patriarch of our family who will truly be missed.
James is loved by his wife of 43 years, Carmen; children, Barbara (Brad) Champion, and James Michael (Holly) Burke; step-children, Rupert, Michael, and AnnaMarie Medina, John and Wally Perez; grandchildren, Christina Perez, Joseph Perez, James Dyer, Christian Enna, Ivy Woody, Nicholas Burke, Gabriella Burke, Isabella Burke, Gavin Burke, Michelle Myers, David Myers, Crystal Brotz, Caley Gallagher, Evea Free, Wally Perez, and the Medina grandchildren, as well as several great-grandchildren; siblings, Michael Burke, Starre Taormina, Dale Burke, Dawn Burke, Nancy Quagliano, as well as niece and nephews, Alex Burke, Louie Sierra, and Michael Qaugliano. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Judy Moran, Pamela Otero, and Barbara Burke.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Amberwood Care Center, especially George, Felecia, and Kelly, as well as Heartland Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Jim.
A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL, 61102 with a funeral service to start at 3:00 p.m. Burial in Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Joliet, IL.
