BURKE, Capt. James William
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our very much adored son, brother, husband, father, friend and fisherman, James Burke, 57, of Bateston, N.S., on July 8, 2016. Jamie passed peacefully with his family singing to him by his side.
Born January 19, 1959, Jamie was the son of Kathleen (Ley) and the late Joseph Burke.
Jamie was a lifelong fisherman and loved everyday on the water like it was his first. Everyday was Jamie’s day. Life on the water was good and he treated every lobster trap like it was his “only” trap. It wasn’t work to Jamie, it was fun.
Jamie had a spontaneity about him that was contagious. He had a charming personality with a cheeky smile and a playful glint in his eye that drew you in and made you feel at ease. Jamie seemed to find humour in everything, the good and the bad. Never one to shy away from a good story or laugh, he could take as good as he could give. He was genuine.
Jamie was always there to lend a hand when someone needed it. He is irreplaceable, he is missed and he is forever loved. He is in heaven now setting traps with his dad and uncle Boo Boo and Roy, not complaining about the rough waters, but welcoming the challenge.
One of Jamie’s favourite places to fish on Lorraine’s rocky shore was Port Nova Island and he always said “Come play on my island.”
Jamie is survived by his loving wife Lynn (Cameron) Burke who never left his side, by his mother Kathleen, by his children, son Brendan (Sarah) Dominion, daughter Leeanne (Travis) Catalone, and stepson Christopher Cameron Burke. He is also survived by grandson Tatum and the eagerly awaited Baby Burke. Jamie is survived by mother-in-law Ruth Cameron.
Jamie is also survived by loving siblings sister Josephine (Jerry) Kennedy, Bateston, brother Frankie (Shelley) Burke, Dartmouth, Charlene(Donnie) Burke, Dartmouth, Natasha (Terry) Morash, Little Lorraine and Lori (David) Burke, South Side Boularderie, and many loving nieces Nicole, Kara, Annie Leigh and Stephanie and nephew Ryan.
Jamie was predeceased by his first wife Anna Marie (Muise) Burke, his father Joseph Burke, by brother-in-law Mike Leightizer, by his uncles Billy “Boo Boo”, Roy Perry, Jim Price, Charlie Ley, and Johnny Burke, and by aunts Barbara Burke and Lorraine White and grandparents William and Mary Ann Burke, James and Catherine Ley.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved dogs Jagger, Rebel, Star, Jake, Jessie, Ben, Body and Flash.
Special thank you to our loving cousin Jimmy Dale Kennedy for being there for the family during this time. And also thank you to the guys on the wharf and in the harbour.
Visitation to take place at Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Main-a-Dieu Tuesday, July 12, at 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to be held Wednesday, July 13, at 3 p.m. officiated by Father Patrick O’Neill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the palliativecare centre.
Remember - no act of kindness; however small, is ever wasted.
Live life to the fullest, the way Jamie did. Make every day a Jamie day.
Online Condolences may be made to www.chantfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of …
Tide and wind and crag, Sea-weed and sea shell And broken rudderAnd the story is told Of human veins and pulses, Of eternal pathways of fire, Of dreams that survive the night, Of doors held ajar in storms. --E.J. Pratt