James Burke

James “Jimmy” F. Burke Jr., 48, died Dec. 7, 2014.

He was born March 18, 1966, in Glen Dale, W.Va., the son of Ruth and James Burke (now deceased). He and his family moved to Montana in 1971, and he graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1985.

Jimmy loved the great outdoors and spent spare time fishing and hunting. He enjoyed time spent building things with his best friend Russ Olson.

He  was a gifted craftsman and mechanic and enjoyed being a “grease monkey” and working with anything mechanical. Jimmy enjoyed working and tinkering on projects and constantly challenged himself to learn new skills, technologies and various other interests.  

He was a wonderful brother to Trent (deceased), Clint, Becky and Shannon. His greatest joy came from being the favorite uncle to Candice, Katie, Meghan, Nichole, Jacob, Brent, Miranda, Gavin, Camryn, Tate, Payton, Kaycee and Glenna. His happiness only increased with the arrival of his great-nieces and great-nephews, Gwen, Phelan, Elijah, Heydan, Addilynn, Rielynn and Jaxson. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. His family was all very important to him, including his extended family Russ and Angie Olson and their children.  

Viewing will take place at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014,  between 9 and 10 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Matt Nelson. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, with a luncheon at the Our Redeemer Church.