James M. Burke Jr.

James Malakiah Burke, Jr. was born on November 10, 1945, to the union of the late James M. Burke, Sr. and Kathleen Smith Burke. Affectionately known as James Jr., he was the third of their four children. He had a special bond with his mother, and they loved each other dearly. James Jr. was especially fond of and devoted to his late paternal grandparents, Rogers and Margaret Burke whom he warmly called, Daddy Rogers and Mama Dear.

James Jr. was a loving child who grew up in constant contact and association with his two sisters, Rogene and LaFrances, plus close cousins: David “Wilton” Washington and Odessa Washington Barnett on his father’s side, and James “Butch” Street and Zolita Street on his mother’s side of the family. They were all in the same age group and thus engaged in numerous school and extracurricular activities together. James Jr. and his younger brother Clyde had a special relationship. As a child, Clyde followed him everywhere. James could not get rid of him! James Jr. was Clyde’s childhood protector. Their bond was enhanced over the last year of James’ life.

James Jr. was fun loving. He loved to dress and adored shoes and cars as a teenager and young adult. Although he was a more conservative car purchaser as a family man, young James adored nice sporty cars that he kept spotlessly clean. He enjoyed hanging out with his childhood friend, Eddie Hicks, and they maintained a close friendship into their adult years.

James Jr. was educated in York County Public Schools and graduated from James Weldon Johnson School in 1964. He enrolled in Norfolk State College where he studied for 2.5 years earning a certification in his course of study. He met his future best man, Robert Johnson, better known as “Slick” and they enjoyed experiencing the college life together. It was at Norfolk State that he first laid his eyes on the Homecoming Queen, Vivian Eason. He told his friends, “I’m going to get that girl!” He later saw Vivian on campus and asked, “May I walk you to class?” That walk was the first steps in their love story. Vivian had several other suitors named James at the time and called James Jr. by his last name, Burke, so as not to confuse him with the others. Burke called her “Viv”. Viv fell in love with Burke’s charm and captivating eyes and the rest is history. They dated for 3.5 years before marrying in a lavish ceremony on June 7, 1969. Early in their marriage, they would spend the night in Daddy Rogers’ and Mama Dear’s home. They would listen to their elders talking throughout the night and wondered what they could be talking about all night long. Decades later, Burke and Viv would sit up just as they had heard that old couple do; laughing and reminiscing on the life they’d built, scrolling through pictures and videos of their grandboys and just enjoying each other’s company. To Viv, Burke was her royal pain, the love and joy of her life. They stayed together and prayed together, trusting God for every good thing that their hearts desired.

Burke and Viv were blessed to have one daughter, Andrea (deceased), and two sons, James III (Jim) and Jermaine, who still call Burke, “Daddy.” He doted on them and poured wisdom and knowledge that he earned through his life experiences into them. Fond memories include waking up early on Saturday mornings to ride over to Gloucester for fresh crabs. He was each of their biggest fan and could be seen in the bleachers cheering them on at their numerous sporting events. “Daddy” enjoyed taking them to swim lessons, t-ball and soccer games. He loved attending Cub Scout meetings with Jim, beating Jermaine in basketball in their driveway and teaching them how to care for the yard and vehicles. He often shared financial advice with them, reminding them “It’s not about how much you make, but what you do with what you make”. Their greatest life lessons came from not only his mouth, but his life as he lived out the example of a nurturing, loving father. He was exceptionally proud of his “pups”. His beloved grandsons Evan and Eyan were the apple of his eye; they could do no wrong and brought him immense pride just by their very existence.

Foremost in James Jr.’s mind were his love for family and his desire to see them stick together and stay ahead of the game. In the mid-70s, he Viv and Jim walked on a piece of property in Yorktown, praying and asking God to give them favor to purchase the land and build their forever home. God honored their hard work and perseverance, and they were able to move into the brick home of their dreams in 1976. James Jr. was a provider not only to his immediate family but to his mother and young brother, Clyde, during a period of time when the family fell upon hard times. It was common for him to show up with money to help them purchase necessities. Clyde was a frequent visitor to James Jr.’s and his wife Vivian’s home. James Jr. often hosted cookouts, seafood feasts and Christmas dinners in their home, taking pride in the yard and upkeep of it. James Jr. was always willing to voice his opinions that he felt were in the best interests of all, including his loving niece Sydnée Reese.

James Jr. began working for Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in 1967 and retired 43 years later as a Master Shipbuilder. James Jr., known as “Burke” at the yard, was widely respected for his expertise in materials. He was knowledgeable, efficient, and proud of his contributions to the shipbuilding craft. The Captains from the George Washington, Truman, Reagan and Bush aircraft carriers sought him out and gifted him with the prized Captain’s hat for his efforts.

Mr. Burke, as he was known throughout the York County area, was an advocate for the community and education, frequenting Board of Directors and School Board meetings. Thanks to his persistence, his community was upgraded from well water and septic tanks to County water and sewage. He tirelessly worked to have floodlights, an updated playground, basketball, and baseball fields added to the Charles E. Brown Park. He was the main influencer that led the initiative to have floodlights added to the athletic field at Bruton High School, allowing them to host home football games under the Friday night lights. His perseverance led to a wooden basketball court being installed at Bruton High School as well. He believed that all persons should have access to quality education, housing and recreational facilities and committed himself to speaking up for those that would benefit from them.

The living members of the Burke, Eason, Wells, Smith, Toombs and Fields families love James Jr. and will miss dearly. He is now rejoined with his daughter, Andrea, grandparents, parents, sisters, and other relatives and friends who were in the great cloud of witnesses waiting for him in heaven. His life on earth will be affectionately remembered by those he leaves behind to include his wife, Vivian; sons, James III and Jermaine (Genelda); grandsons, Evan and Eyan; brother, Clyde (Cynthia); nieces, Sydnée and Candice (David); nephew, Brian; great-niece, Madison; great-nephew, Isaiah; and a host of loving in-laws, cousins, extended family and friends.