James Corey Rourke

11/05/1972 - 02/02/2021

James Corey Rourke (48) died on February 2, 2021. James was born on November 5, 1972 in Chicago, IL and grew up in Bethel, CT. In 1996, James began his career as a computer programmer when he moved with a group of college friends to San Francisco, where he would call home for the remainder of his time here on Earth. James had a quick wit and curious mind. Laughter was in his DNA. He was a sports enthusiast and master of trivial data. James effortlessly breezed through complex computer software programs. No one wanted to compete against him in any of these areas and we suspect he enjoyed this. Some of James’ other passions included surfing, skiing, cooking, writing, reading, painting, dancing, photography and for many years, tending to his pet birds, Fred and Edna. James was always searching for ways to understand and depict patterns in this world. His artistic and curious mind led him to pursue and receive a Mechanical Engineering degree from Dartmouth College and an Art degree from the San Francisco Academy of Art. He also worked extensively on his (yet) unpublished novel, The Searchers of the Lasting Antiquation.

His mind shone as bright as his heart. His family, friends and co-workers basked in his glow. Filled with gentleness, persistence and “randomness,” he thoroughly enjoyed his independence and proved his resilience, time and time again. After working so hard, he found the rest he deserves on the greatest vacation ever.

Most recently, James was an integral and beloved member on the staff at Mercy Housing in San Francisco, where he excelled in his responsibilities to the community. As one of his co-workers shared “That’s what I liked about James, he gave a lot and expected nothing in return. He just was a cool dude.”

He is survived by his biggest supporters, his family, which includes his mother Mary Ann, his siblings and their spouses; Josh and Lisa Rourke; Jeremy Rourke and Vanessa VerLee, and Jill and Luke Simmons. In addition, he leaves behind nieces and nephews, Noah, Grayson and Lucca Rourke and Harper, Cara and Willow Simmons who will hear tales of ‘Uncle Jim’ forevermore. He also leaves behind Eileen and Frank, along with many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Upon dying, he reached out to the outstretched hand of his father, James who predeceased him in 1989.

A private memorial will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a financial contribution in his name to Mercy House (https://www. mercyhousing.org/donate/), planting a tree in his honor and/or do whatever “the hell” you want, because that’s how James liked it.