James Burke

James Burke

James Burke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 24, 2021.
James Burke was a member of the Five Stairsteps, who had a hit in 1970 with “O-o-h Child.”

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July 12, 2024

Monica posted to the memorial.

May 21, 2021

Donna Jennings posted to the memorial.

April 9, 2021

Tony posted to the memorial.

59 Entries

Monica

July 12, 2024

I have wonderful memories watching Soul Train, listening to music and going to the Five Stairsteps concerts in Buffalo NY. Your voice and music lives on in many lives today! Rest in peace.

Donna Jennings

May 21, 2021

I would like to send my condolences to The Burke Family I grew up with you guys in Chicago. I had the chance to connect with James when some of you moved to Atlanta. Great family. May James Rest In Peace.

Tony

April 9, 2021

Sincere condolences to the Burke family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans. James Burke was a member of the Five Stairsteps, who had a hit in 1970 with “O-o-h Child”, they had many songs that will NEVER be forgotten. May the love and the special memory you shared with your father, brother and friend show how your life was touched by him. We will miss James' presence and his many contributions in the R&B music industry. May you find comfort in your treasured memories of your dear loved one in the days, months and years ahead as the world copes with loss the of James. May his music keep his memory alive forever.

C Cody

March 14, 2021

My condolences to the Burke family May God Bless and comfort you at this time.RIP James.A former member of the 5 stairsteps fan club .N.Y. All the show's and hanging out with you guys the memories will last a lifetime.

March 6, 2021

My Condolences to the Burke Family. A long way from the Apollo in Harlem NY. The fun we had running in up and down those back stage steps.. and laughing at your comedic Dad in the hotel lobby with a wig on his head. May you R.I.H. And continue to sing O-o h Child till we meet again. You will be miss.

SUSAN STRAHM

March 3, 2021

I LOVED THIS SONG, RIP JAMES, WE'LL BE IN HEAVEN TO HEAR YOUR SONGS AGAIN

March 3, 2021

RIH! James. Condolences to the family. He's singing from heaven with Clarence & Cubie.

March 3, 2021

Deepest condolences to the Burke family. That song, “O-O-H Child” is timeless. It touches everyone when heard. May the God of all comfort be with each one of you.

Roosevelt Martin

March 2, 2021

Return If Possible Damn it Man I'm always listen to the Y'all . R.I.P

LeeRoy

March 2, 2021

My condolences go out to the family of James Burke. So sorry for your loss.

Stephanie Schell

March 1, 2021

You voice will be remembered.

Stephanie D Schell

March 1, 2021

Remember hearing that song "Ooh Child" on the radio over the years.

March 1, 2021

Truly an awesome singer and part of an amazing group. The legacy of the music will live on. Sincere condolences to the Burke family, very sorry for the loss of James, may God be with all of you at this most difficult time.

March 1, 2021

A wonderfully talented singer and part of an amazing group. The music will live on. Sincere condolences to the Burke family, may God be your strength and comfort during this very difficult time of your loss.

T Z

February 28, 2021

I am sorry for the loss of Mr. James Burke. May the family have comfort from the almighty God during this challenging time.

February 28, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Burke family. May you find comfort
in your treasured memories of James and May God continue to comfort you in the days, months and years ahead.

February 28, 2021

My condolences to the family. Loved the hit song...May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficult times.

peter skerry

February 28, 2021

god bless

M. MCGOVERN

February 28, 2021

Thank you. This beautiful song lifted us every time we heard it. We believed.... RIP.

February 28, 2021

My condolences to the family.

Yvonne Brothers-Edmondson

February 28, 2021

Loved the beautiful music memories that you brought to us. Continue singing in heaven.

Ottawa Hills Class of 1974

February 27, 2021

Thanks Man !!

February 27, 2021

I really enjoyed the music of he five stair steps. May God comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow.

David P Call

February 27, 2021

My condolences to his friends and his family he was an extraordinary talented Entertainer who made history so many ways may he rest in peace

Darlene Dorin

February 27, 2021

Thank you for the gift of song that brings me back to a simpler time. Prayers.

February 26, 2021

So thankful for the wonderful music from this most talented singer, he will be both missed and remembered. Sincere sympathies to the Burke family, may God be your strength and comfort at this very difficult time of your loss.

February 26, 2021

Rest in Peace

Lee Robinson

February 26, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers go out to The Burke Family during the transition of Mr. James Burke. He shared his gifts and talent in a very special way. He and the group brought so much hope and joy to the world. God Bless you all.

LeeRoy

February 26, 2021

My condolences go out to the Burke family on the death of James. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

P E

February 26, 2021

To the family and friends of James Burke, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May God give you peace and comfort you during this time of grief.

Yvonne

February 26, 2021

Oh-o Child was a great song! I loved their music! So sorry to the family of James Burke.

Rose Baird

February 26, 2021

Rest easy . O oh child always makes you smile when you hear it . Thoughts an prayers to your family.

Angel Ramos Jr

February 25, 2021

Their music was great ! Still listen to them today ! Sorry for the loss . At 64 years of age , I still believe that time of music has never left us and still a hit our hearts ! God Bless !!!!!

Phyllis Shepherd

February 25, 2021

Thanking God for your existence and you and your family sharing your many musical talents. May your family and friends be comforted by many happy memories.

February 25, 2021

What an iconic group, James Burke was a very talented part of it. My sincere condolences to the Burke family , friends and members of the Five Stairsteps and Invisible Man Band, truly sorry for your loss. May God grant all of you peace and strength during your time of your sorrow.

February 25, 2021

One of my favorite groups, Had there pictures plastered all over my bedroom walls. Never missed them at the
Cheetah, Apollo or Manhattan Center. I also had the biggest crush on James. My Condolences to the family and
may he rest in peace. A huge fan, Obviously from New York.

Michelle Plakas-Kaiser

February 25, 2021

RIP

James Wells

February 25, 2021

I would like to give my condolences to the family of James Burke, I meet him in 1972 in the Bronx he was down to earth person and good friend

BRY

February 25, 2021

So very sorry to hear of James passing. This iconic song still is and will always be my favorite of all time. May the God of Comfort take care of the Burke Family’s deep sorrow at this difficult time. May God strengthen you to cope with your precious loss as he supports you with his endless peace and carries the grief in your hearts Psalm 68:19. O-o-h Child will never be forgotten and neither will James.

February 25, 2021

Such a talented singer and performer, my sincere sympathies to the Burke family and friends, may you find comfort and strength from God as you go through this very difficult time of your loss.

JE Sowell

February 25, 2021

May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived with James. The Five Stairsteps were a part of my favorite groups growing up. Really good and enjoyable times. Sending prayers and words of comfort to James family and friends.

February 25, 2021

I would like to office my sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Burke may the God of tender mercies grant him peace.

February 25, 2021

What an incredible performer. We just love that song. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time.

Sarah Wilson

February 25, 2021

To the Family: May God watch over you during this trying time. I am so grateful for the beautiful music Mr.Burke shared with us during his tour of earth. R.I.P.

Greg Williams

February 25, 2021

O-O-H child of god , things just got easier . RIP James .

Maria Auger

February 25, 2021

I’m sorry for your loss. I enjoyed your music and voice. God Bless and Thank you for sharing part of your life with the world. R.I.P. ❤

Mary

February 24, 2021

Many loved and listened to “O-o-h Child”. To The family, friends, and fans of James Burke I send deepest condolences for your loss. At this difficult time, may the God of tender mercies comfort you and strengthen you.

Pamela Jordan

February 24, 2021

I still love that song since I was a teenager. I still go to you tube to listen to it til this day. Thank you for blessing us with your gift. May you rest in peace.

Steele

February 24, 2021

Loved the group and the many songs they have preformed over the years. I am sorry to hear that we lost James. I kniw the family is devastated and I am sorry for your loss. You have my sympathy.

February 24, 2021

I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of mr. James burke may the God of tender mercies grant him peace

Albert Alioto

February 24, 2021

Mr. Burke's performance on "O-o-h Child" is something I have always found deeply moving. It is always a great song to hear after finishing the most challenging part of any day. He gave a special gift to anyone who ever hears it.

Connie TYLER

February 24, 2021

YOU , YOUR MUSIC AND YOURS SONGS WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED;I STILL LISTEN TO OOOH CHILD,BECAUSE I STILL HAVE HARD TIMES..MAY YOU REST IN HEAVEN WITH ANGELS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY THROUGH SUCH A HARD TIME IN SENDING YOU HOME TO BE WITH OUR LORD;;;WELL DONE AND THANK YOU FOR THE GREATEST OF YOUR MUSIC

Debra Ceol

February 24, 2021

February 24, 2021

To the family,

I would like to extend my condolences to you. Life is truly precious and when we lose our loved ones it breaks our heart. Please know that God is there as a source of comfort and strength. He will hold on to you and help you get through this difficult time. Isa. 41:10.

Harry Simpson

February 24, 2021

Godspeed James, and thank you for the wonderful music memories...

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Not sure what to say?

July 12, 2024

Monica posted to the memorial.

May 21, 2021

Donna Jennings posted to the memorial.

April 9, 2021

Tony posted to the memorial.