
James B. Burke
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James B. Burke 83, of Amissville, Virginia died on May 12, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Winchester, Virginia on January 5, 1941, the son of Ottis Burke and Harriet Vaughan Burke. He was raised in Woodville, Virginia and attended Rappahannock county high school where he met his wife, Dottie. He was often called Jim by friends and called Bernie by family.
He was predeceased by his mother Harriet Vaughan Burke, his father Ottis Booten Burke, his sister Shirley Burke Lohman, his brother-in-law Henry Hudson, his wife of 49 years Dorothy Hawkins Burke and his grandson Matthew Arron McClellan.
His family members include his son Michael Burke and his wife Daphne Burke of South Riding, Virginia and his daughter Sandra McClellan and her partner Chuck Shewbridge of Amissville, Virginia. His son-in-law Charles "Charlie" McClellan of Arlington, Virginia. His sister Barbara Hudson of Richmond, Virginia, his brother Frederick "Freddie" Burke of Waldorf, Maryland. His grandchildren Aaron and Ryan Burke of South Riding, Virginia, Brandon, and his wife Anna McClellan of Amissville, Virginia. His greatgrandchildren Baylee Brown of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Avery Mae, and James Matthew of Amissville, Virginia.
Jim served in the Army as Engineering Equipment Mechanic where he received several commendations as an expert marksman with multiple rifles. After serving in the Army, he worked for the Engineering Department as an Electrical Supervisor for GW Hospital for 8 years before taking a position at INOVA Fairfax where he worked as an Electrical/Electronic Supervisor for 40 years before retiring. While working at INOVA Fairfax Jim successfully ran his own business called Inter-State Electric Service (IES).
Jim was a hardworking, and humble man who never spoke ill of anyone. He was very appreciative of the things he had. He was kind and generous and loved to help others in need. He was quiet and reserved and didn't like a lot of attention. He was a perfectionist and very detailed oriented. He always kept busy and loved to learn new things. He mentored many men in the electrical field who became very successful. He was a good teacher and was always patient, but he would let you know when the quality of your work didn't meet his standards. He would spend hours designing, planning, and building things. He was meticulous and loved to leave notes behind on his special projects. He loved his dogs and always made sure they ate as good as he did.
A Successful Man
That man is a success -
who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children.
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task.
who leaves the world better than he found it.
who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it.
who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
