James Edward Burke

1925 - 2020

James Edward Burke quietly passed away in his home in Avalon on July 19, 2020. He was 95 years old.
Born in Hollywood, California to Edward and Elsie Burke, he grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Belmont High School in 1943. After graduation, he entered the Army (Infantry) during WWII and served in France, Germany, and Belgium. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal of Valor with Oak Leaf Cluster for his service.
After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he entered UCLA to study architecture. In 1947 he and his boyhood friend Richard Linn decided to spend the summer on Catalina Island before returning to UCLA in the fall. Jim and Richard found employment with a local building contractor on a job that would last into the early winter months. Richard returned to the mainland that winter, but Jim liked life on the island and decided that Avalon was the place where he wanted to live. Jim continued working in construction and eventually purchased the business with co-worker Frank Burgess, Jr. and Burgess & Burke General Contractors was formed.
In 1948 Jim met the love of his life, Vallie. Jim and Vallie were married in 1950 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church at its old location on Vieudelou. Their marriage spanned 70 years with 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
During the years that Jim was in construction, he built, designed and remodeled many homes in Avalon including St. Catherine's Church Hall, The Avalon Hospital, and his own two homes on Marilla Avenue.  He made many valuable contributions to the Avalon Community.  He was a member of the Avalon Planning Commission,  Avalon Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years, St. Catherine's Church, VFW, American Legion, Avalon Lion's Club, and Avalon Rotary Club. He partnered with Roger Upton, Jr. on the Stamford Hotel and was an inspector on the construction of the Avalon Visitor's Center in Falls Canyon. He was also Clerk of the Works for an addition of the Avalon Clinic.
 Jim was a quiet and honorable man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was an avid hunter, had a keen sense of humor, a huge love for his family and the island that he chose to make his life-long home. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing this kind and gentle man.
Funeral services will be held at St. Catherine's Catholic Church on November 4, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. with Bishop Sylvester Ryan presiding for his long-time friend. Graveside services will be immediately afterward at the Avalon Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life at The M from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation to VFW Island Outpost 4682 or St. Catherine's of Alexandria Church in Jim's Honor.