James Patrick Burke, Jr., age 65 of St. James, NC passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at his home. 

James was born in Picayune, MS on May 4, 1960, to James Patrick and Wanda June Henley Burke, Sr. 

James was a proud alumnus of Mississippi State University. He graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Working in Mississippi, Alabama, and Pennsylvania at various nuclear facilities, he eventually settled his family in North Carolina. James was employed at the Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant for nearly 17 years. He retired from the General Electric Nuclear Energy division in Castle Hayne, NC as Senior Vice President, Engineering, in 2023. Since retiring, James enjoyed improving his golf game, hunting deer and dove, sampling bourbon with friends, and traveling with his wife and family. 

James is survived by his wife: Joyce Burke; son: James Patrick Burke, III (Jessica Cosmas); daughter: Paige Branden Burke (Kevin Collins); parents: James Patrick Burke SR and June Burke; and his sister: Deborah Burke. 

James is preceded in death by his brothers: Mark and Steve Burke. 

May warm memories of James bring light and comfort to loved ones in the coming days. 

A Celebration of Life service will take place at Ocean View United Methodist Church, 8400 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC  28465 on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 1:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice, or a gift in James’s name to the Mississippi State University Foundation. HAIL STATE!