Oct. 1, 1970 ~ June 9, 2022
James (Jim) Dale Burke was born on Oct. 1, 1970, at Pioneers Hospital in Meeker, Colorado. He passed away on June 9, 2022 in Murray, Utah, at the age of 51. Jim was the fourth of five children born to Dean Burke and Elvina (Fern) Burke. Throughout his life, he recognized the importance of family and friends, sharing his loving personality with all of them.
After graduating from high school, Jim began work as an apprentice to a welding contractor. Later, he returned to the Burke Brothers centennial family ranch on Piceance Creek, where he worked alongside his brother, K.C., for the rest of his life.
On Nov. 14, 1998 , Jim joined hands in marriage to Stacey Whitaker. From this union, he had two children, Kale and Makenna. Although he was quiet in nature, Jim’s family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was very proud of his children and their accomplishments, and worked diligently to instill a good upbringing to “know where they came from.” He also spoke fondly of his nieces and nephews and treasured memories he built with them.
Jim’s life was one that was full of hard work, a gift for craftsmanship, and a curiosity for gaining knowledge to problem solve. He was a skilled welder and machinist. His interests were vast and varied. He excelled in exacting the nature of the work required to complete the bright, unique ideas he would create. Jim spent many years alongside his brother, K.C., improving the Burke Brothers operation, and investigating ways to further the business and keep agricultural interests at the forefront. It was not uncommon to find Jim tinkering with machinery or finding old and unusual tools or devices to examine.
His expertise was valued and acknowledged in many areas of the family ranch. Jim also loved the companionship of the family dogs, Lilly and Ozzy. Jim was a strong-willed man. Whatever he set his mind to do, he was determined to get done. His brothers, Clinton and K.C., would agree that the only way to win an argument with Jim was to make a bet with him and hope to win it.
No one would deny that Jim was a giving, caring and selfless soul. Jim had a magnetic personality, and as a result, he made many friends along his journey. He loved to delve into conversation about politics and current events, but he especially enjoyed socializing with friends and family. Many of these times were with a cold beer in hand and a wonderful meal often cooked by Jim himself. His hearty laugh was contagious and his gentle spirit filled all who truly loved him. He enjoyed spending time at the lake, riding his scooter, and playing his cards in Vegas.
Jim is survived by: his wife, Stacey; his children, Kale and Makenna; his brothers, Clinton and K.C. (Heather) Burke; his sister, Carol (Mike) Grinstead; father and mother-in-law, Keith (Jana) Whitaker; his brother-in-law, Kyle (Sherry) Whitaker; nieces and nephews, Shelby, Kinzy, Peyton, Pake, Jake, Jared and Nathan; and his uncle, Jimmy Woodard, and his many cousins and family members. He was preceded in death by: his dad and mother, Dean and Fern Burke; his sister, Tracy Goodrich; his numerous aunts and uncles, along with his other extended family members.
Anyone who knew Jim knew he was the most loving husband, father, brother, and uncle a family could ask for and the friend you could always count on. He will be missed more than words can express.
You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home. – Author Unknown
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either:
HopeWest, 575 3rd Street, Meeker, CO, 81641, https://www.hopewestco.org/meeker or to Rose Hill Hospitality House, 605 26 ½ Rd., Grand Junction, CO, 81506.
