James "Jimmy" M. Burke's Obituary
James “Jimmy” Burke passed away on September 23, 2021 at a hospital in Easton, Maryland from complications of pneumonia. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 1, 1961 to William F. and Cecelia B. Burke.
Jimmy was raised in Cinnaminson, New Jersey in a large family as one of 7 siblings. Dear brother of Bill (Donna), the late Marty (Pam Sellers), the late Celia, Donna Edward (Jim), Bob, and Joe (Debbie). He enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics and displaying his many medals in the home. Jimmy’s first job experience was at a Burlington County Special Services workshop, where he developed many friendships. For the last 20 years he lived in the Annapolis, Maryland area with his sister Donna, her husband Jim, and their three children, Shannon, Sean, and Michelle, who adored their loving and playful uncle Jimmy. During that time, Jimmy worked at the Providence Center in Arnold, Maryland in its horticulture department watering plants, raking leaves, and sweeping every inch of inside flooring and outside greenhouses!
Jimmy loved people and touched so many lives with his unforgettable smile, infectious laugh, and unconditional kindness. Jimmy loved all sports, especially Philadelphia teams and the college teams of his many nieces and nephews. He enjoyed countless adventures with family, including beach time, bowling, playing mini golf, watching professional wrestling, and of course cheering on the Eagles. No matter where he was, it was the time with family and his favorite foods that brought him great happiness. Going from 1 family member to the other ensured he had multiple plates of everything (prioritizing soda refills and the dessert table!). At all gatherings, he was the one to greet you with a warm handshake and hug, the first to hit the buffet table, and the last to leave the dance floor!
The legacy Jimmy built will live on forever! The lives of all who knew Jimmy continue to be enriched every day and his shining spirit will be carried on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, on Wednesday, September 29th, from 8:45 to 9:45 am. Eulogies for Jimmy will begin at 9:45 am, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 2500 Branch Pike, Cinnaminson, NJ. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 W. Cheltenham Ave., Philadelphia.
Jimmy’s eulogies and Mass will be livestreamed, and can be viewed using this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-jimmy-burke.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to two of his favorite places, Providence Center and Special Olympics:
https://www.providencecenter.com/get-involved/giving-opportunities
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