James D. Burke

James D. Burke of Atlanta, Georgia died peacefully in his sleep on September 5. 2012. He was born on June 18, 1923 in Roanoke, Alabama to Ola and Buster Burke. He was one of nine children. He loved basketball, and became a star player for his high school. He served in World War II as a waste gunner on a B-17 for the 8th Air Force. Jim played basketball while in the service to entertain the troops.He attended Auburn University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. He also played basketball for Auburn. Jim met Mary Jane Dixon through mutual friends and married her on May 11, 1957.He worked in Sales and later took a position as Director of Environmental Health for the State of Georgia until his retirement in 1986.Jim was a very active member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church for over 50 years. His hobbies included photography and swimming. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his son Jim Burke, his daughter and son in law, Edie and Don Atkinson, his son and daughter in law, Edmund and Julie Burke, and four grandchildren, Chad and Lauren Atkinson, and Josh and Zack Burke. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, September 9th at 3:00pm at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at Oak Grove United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends and family on Sunday, September 9th from 1:00-3:00pm at A.S.Turner and Sons. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project.


Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033