James Burke

View Video TributeJames F. Burke Sr. 87 of Akron OH passed away peacefully and on his own terms Tuesday November 13 2012. Jim was born in Chicago IL to the late John and Annie Burke where he also attended DePaul University. He was a World War II combat veteran of the 8th Army Air Corp successfully completing 35 missions over Europe as a tail gunner on a B-17. For most of his professional life he was a salesman for Fruit of the Loom Underwear where he proudly ''covered the asses of the masses'' for three decades. Throughout his life he maintained a deep Catholic faith best exhibited by over 20 years as the Cantor for St. Sebastian Church. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Lauretta Mary Burke and his nine children (arguably more if Oldsmobile had a model larger than the Vista Cruiser.) James F. Burke Jr. of Bath OH; John and Cindy Burke of Wyomissing PA; Mary Beth and Michael McDonald of Lititz PA; Laurie and Stan Hironaka of Moraga CA; Peg and Steve Zimmer of Copley OH; Daniel and Anne Burke of Spring TX; William and Julie Burke of Medina OH; Maureen and John Muldoon of Newbury Park CA; Bridget and Vince Beringer of Cranberry Twp. PA; as well as his 23 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents his daughter-in-law Karan Burke and his siblings Florence Huyer Mary Murphy and John J. Burke Jr. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday November 17 2012 at 11 AM at St. Hilary Church 2750 West Market Street Fairlawn OH. Private interment in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends may call the Hummel Funeral Home 500 E. Exchange St. Akron on Friday November 16 2012 from 4 - 7 PM. in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Archbishop Hoban High School The Burke Family Scholarship Fund 1 Holy Cross Blvd. Akron Ohio 44306.