James Robert Burke

James R. Burke, age 69, unexpectedly died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Waynesville, NC after four-months of battling health challenges following a stroke.

An identical twin son born on Long Island, New York to James and Doris (Conboy) Burke, Jim was reckless in his youth but as an adult he thrived on discipline and structure in his life as shown by his lifelong passion for bodybuilding and healthy habits. The pinnacle of his commitment was competing in the 1996 Masters Nationals Bodybuilding Championship but his dedication to his workouts and to learning new bodybuilding techniques was unending.

Jim owned his own construction business for over 30 years and enjoyed working with his brother, busting chops with his construction job buddies, and solving construction problems. A perfectionist who never half-assed a job or took a shortcut, Jim held himself to the highest standards when it came to work and many of his homeowners benefit from that today.

Whether he lived in the Northeast or Southeast, Jim was actively involved in his community. He loved the excitement of coaching boys' baseball and football, being a church youth group leader, and mentoring a lot of young people over the years, staying in touch with many. He was very civic-minded and sought opportunities to be actively involved in local government where he was elected to the Selectboard in Wilmington, VT, appointed as the town’s cemetery sexton, named to the cemetery commission in Waynesville, NC, as well as being the current President of his Homeowner's Association.

Jim was a caring and honest man who had a full and content life. He greatly enjoyed keeping up with current events, playing his guitar, and riding Harley motorcycles. His truck radio was always tuned to a classic rock or blues station and the NFL Raiders were his team no matter what city they were located in. Jim was especially satisfied that his last home was a log cabin in the woods which he found for the pride of his life, his wife, Patti. The two shared many of their traditional Saturday night steak, baked potato, and red wine dinners there.

A tough guy with a huge heart sums Jim up quite well. He could be an intimidating presence but close to the surface was a man who problem solved for others, someone who was extremely generous with his time and talent, and who never met an abandoned kitten that he didn't take into his care and have named within an hour. He was wired with the need and ability to go above and beyond when someone or something needed rescuing. Jim had a wide network of friends from wherever life placed him. Keeping in touch with those who meant the most to him was a priority and in any given week he was perched on the deck in his no-sleeved T-shirt participating in his phone dates.

He is survived by his best friend, soul mate, and devoted wife of 35-years, Patti Burke; his twin brother, David Burke and his wife, Lise Camire; his sister, Cheryl Wroblewski; one niece and four nephews; several cousins, and many good friends. Countless animals, both domestic pets and wildlife, that Jim cared for have welcomed him home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim's name may be made to these organizations that were important to him. Orphaned Wildlife Fund | PO Box 155 | Otisville NY | 10963 or Feline Urgent Rescue | PO Box 1352 | Waynesville NC | 28786

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

Simply put, Jim was a memorable person who made a difference. One can't ask for more than that in life. Keep him in your phone's contact list as seeing his name will prompt a smile and a fond memory.

The care of Mr. Burke has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.