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JAMES MICHAEL BURKE 1939-2013
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JAMES MICHAEL BURKE Sadly, on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 James M. Burke passed away. At Jim's request, there will be no service. It is difficult to sum up a person's life in an obituary. Jim was so many things to so many people. To his wife, Keiko, he was chief cook, caretaker of home, yard, cars and supporter of her endeavors which showed his caretaking side. To his stepchildren, Kristin and Kyle, his attendance at their activities, support for all their life decisions, his philosophical and intellectual discussions with them showed his tender side in trying to be a stepfather and friend to them as well as giving them the benefit of his life experiences. To his nieces Sharon and Rachel and nephew Jeff, he was the "Unc", their greatest supporter besides their parents Ron and Pat and who was always willing to lend an ear. To his many longtime friends (Gerry, Rick and Judy, cousin Gary) and his "adopted" Japanese-Canadian community friends, he was known for his quick wit, sense of humour, ready smile and never failed to make them laugh. Jim's volunteer work with the Japanese Pavilion was a testament to the long hours and hard work he put in and earned him the respect of the JC community. Jim's worklife was as diverse as was his personality. From working in the office of CN to being a reporter for CKY News; from being a campaign manager for a federal politician to spending summers working moving furniture; from owning a craft store to doing research work for W5. Throughout his worklife, his passion was always his writing. His published works include Paper Tomahawks, If it Weren't for Sex .... I'd Have to Get a Job, Fatal Choices as well as writing a series of stories in the magazine, Sequels. Jim had a soft spot in his heart for children, the elderly, animals and anyone disenfranchised. His favourite moments included rolling around on the floor and playing with his then two year old grandson, Olly; giving treats and playing with "Stubby" (cat), teasing the seniors while assisting them in any way he could. Being knowledgeable about the law, he helped friends and neighbours work through bureaucratic red tape and assisted them with their consumer disputes. He was a longtime supporter of the Winnipeg Humane Society. His only regret would have been in not being able to see his granddaughter, Isy, in person. It would be remiss to not mention his fiercely independent nature and his strong will and in this respect, he remained true to his nature for his entire life. Jim will be sadly missed by his family, both immediate and extended, as well as his friends, neighbours and the Japanese-Canadian community. Many thanks to all the family members and friends for their love and support. A special thanks to Setsu, Dawn and Irene. If so desired, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 9Z9. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2014
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I worked with Jim in the summer of 1976 at MacCosham Van Lines in Winnipeg. He was almost twenty years older than me, but he treated me with kindness, respect and good humour. I enjoyed working with him and considered him a friend. I was thinking of him today, and am saddened to see that he's passed on. I don't know the story behind it, but I'm sorry he never got to see his granddaughter Isy in person. I've learned that the love between a grandparent and grandchild is fierce, and to never be able to see a grandchild is one of the saddest things imaginable. Reading his obituary, I see that Jim had a full life with many good friends. I'm glad that I met him that summer almost 50 years ago. - Posted by: Ross Johnson (Friend from a long time ago) on: May 26, 2025
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Jim as I knew him was a trusted friend and we spent a lot of times together visiting, discussing many topics too numerous to mention. He also did some researching and writing for me. He was an excellent writer! I miss my friend and sad that he's gone! I didn't know that he had passed until now. - Posted by: Alvin Thompson (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2022
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I recently came across James' book Paper Tomahawks in a used book sale, and I haven't even finished the book yet but have found myself fascinated by the person who wrote it. It was a stroke of luck, actually, because I discovered that he was a member of the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood, a precursor to the Manitoba Federation of Chiefs, my current employer. So far the book is sharply written and deeply fascinating, and I hope his family knows that his work is still reaching people. - Posted by: Rhiannon (Fan) on: Aug 03, 2020
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I was sitting at breakfast this morning with my 16 year old daughter. We talked about the different paths one could take in a single lifetime. I started to tell her of my old friend Jim, then after taking her to school. I wondered what Jim was up to these days. I searched him on the internet and found he was gone. You were a good man my friend, you are missed by many, I wish we had not lost contact. - Posted by: Peter (Friend and former employer) on: Dec 04, 2014
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I've known Jim for many years. He was a funny, caring and clever friend. We never failed to laugh when in one another's company. My sympathies go out to Keiko. I can only imagine how great a void Jim's passing has left. Rest in Peace Jim. I miss you! - Posted by: Mary Bannister (Friend) on: Mar 12, 2014
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Good friend for many years. Lost track of Jim for many years and could not connect with him again. Tried a few times. No luck though. RIP Jim, will always remember your sense of humour. - Posted by: Gerry Meyers (friend) on: Feb 02, 2014
