James "Jim" Burke

James Robert “Jim” Burke, 76, of Appomattox peacefully passed away on Tuesday April 25th, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones after a difficult battle with cancer.
Jim was born on July 15th, 1946, in Lynchburg, Va. He graduated from Appomattox High School in 1964. Jim went on to work in the telephone business with Verizon and ATT. He spent his last 30 years, before his well-earned retirement, with his company BB&T Communications alongside his partners Dennis Tolley and Bubba Bond.
He was a loved member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he was the chair of the stewardship committee. Jim was also a member of the Gideons, a proud member of the masonic lodge as a freemason, and previously served as the President of Falling River Country Club.
Jim lived every day to the fullest, one day at a time. He was happily sober for over 41 years and was an accomplished athlete who continued to play golf with his family and friends through retirement. He could still easily beat all of his grandkids on the golf course, regardless of his short game. He was always ready to enjoy a good cigar (ideally a 56 ring gauge Romeo and Juliet) and tell you a story or talk about anything on your mind. His family will certainly miss his beloved “Papaisms” that were shrouded in mischief and important life lessons. Jim truly showed the meaning of grace, humility and loyalty to everyone in his life through his actions. His mentorship through his faith, the church, as a coach and through AA as a support for others in recovery will be a treasured part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Jim leaves behind many people who deeply love him. Including his beloved wife, Sheryl Burke; his mother-in-law Leona English; his children and their spouses, Sam and Kelly Burke of Hellertown, PA, Sandy and Stephen McBride of Roanoke, Va; his step siblings Scottie and Buck Woody, Johnny and Brenda Giles; his 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Katie and Joel Hill, Emily McBride, Stephen McBride, Erin and John Daloni and Samuel Burke Jr.; and his 6 great-grandchildren, Mason, Jackson and Grayson Hill, Waylon and Ashlynn McBride, and Joan Daloni. He will be greeted in heaven by his first wife, Betty Paulette Burke; his father and step-mother, Richard and Sarah Burke; his mother Elizabeth Burke; and his in-laws, Frances and Samuel Paulette; sister-in-law, Wanda English Law; and father-in-law, Clarence English.
By the long list you see above, it is clear Jim lived a full life surrounded by family that loved him and will miss him dearly. The family takes comfort in knowing that this is only a temporary farewell, and that Jim is now in God's glory in his new heavenly home.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. Rusty Small officiating.
The family will receive friends following the service.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to please consider donating to the Liberty Baptist Church General Fund, PO Box 485, Appomattox, VA, 24522.
Robinson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com