James John "Jim" Burke
September 21, 1930 — March 5, 2024
James John "Jim" Burke, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly a 58-year resident of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, family will greet friends one hour prior. Inurnment with full military honors at Calvary Cemetery in Ryan, Iowa will begin at 2 p.m. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.
Jim was born on September 21, 1930, at home in Ryan, the son of Leo John and Irene Catherine (McAreavy) Burke. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Ryan and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. On June 2, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Darlene Powers in Cedar Rapids, until her passing on December 14, 2020. He worked for the United States Department of Defense for over 30 years. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an excellent baseball player and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Jim enjoyed camping, traveling, watching westerns and was a beer enthusiast. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family as they were very important to him. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Linda (David) Schultz of Naples, Florida, Peggy Chute of Marion, John (Sheryl) Burke of Robins, Iowa, Carol (Dave) Kraayenbrink of Waukee, Iowa, and Brenda (Bill) Stroschein of Marion; 12 grandchildren, Carrie (Ted) Semelroth, Emily (Wes Mallgren) Schultz, Sara (Brandon) Dewitt, Dan Chute, Ava and Olivia Burke, Danielle and Nicole Kraayenbrink, Jordan (Kaelin), Austin, Ryan and Madison Stroschein; seven great-grandchildren, Landon, Addyson, and Aiden Semelroth, Gavin, and Quinton Mallgren, Grace and Atlee Dewitt; and sister, Catherine (Jerry) Doyle of Cedar Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; brothers, Buddy and Ronald Burke; and sister, Mary Jo Woods.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to the Ryan Ballpark Improvement Committee at Ryan City Hall, PO Box 40, Ryan Iowa 52330.
Jim was born on September 21, 1930, at home in Ryan, the son of Leo John and Irene Catherine (McAreavy) Burke. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Ryan and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. On June 2, 1956, Jim was united in marriage to Patricia Darlene Powers in Cedar Rapids, until her passing on December 14, 2020. He worked for the United States Department of Defense for over 30 years. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an excellent baseball player and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Jim enjoyed camping, traveling, watching westerns and was a beer enthusiast. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family as they were very important to him. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Linda (David) Schultz of Naples, Florida, Peggy Chute of Marion, John (Sheryl) Burke of Robins, Iowa, Carol (Dave) Kraayenbrink of Waukee, Iowa, and Brenda (Bill) Stroschein of Marion; 12 grandchildren, Carrie (Ted) Semelroth, Emily (Wes Mallgren) Schultz, Sara (Brandon) Dewitt, Dan Chute, Ava and Olivia Burke, Danielle and Nicole Kraayenbrink, Jordan (Kaelin), Austin, Ryan and Madison Stroschein; seven great-grandchildren, Landon, Addyson, and Aiden Semelroth, Gavin, and Quinton Mallgren, Grace and Atlee Dewitt; and sister, Catherine (Jerry) Doyle of Cedar Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; brothers, Buddy and Ronald Burke; and sister, Mary Jo Woods.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s memory may be directed to the Ryan Ballpark Improvement Committee at Ryan City Hall, PO Box 40, Ryan Iowa 52330.
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