James Francis “Jim” Burke died  peacefully at Aviva Memory Care, Merrillville, IN on October 22, 2025 in Merrillville, IN at the age of 84.

James is survived by his Cousins Ann Brown, Des Plaines, IL, Barbara Schranz, Glenwood, IL  and many cousins in IL, IN, and Ireland.

He is preceded in death by Wife, Rita J Burke, Mother Margaret Burke, and Father James C Burke.

James was born on November 8, 1940 in Gary, IN to James C Burke and Margaret (Loftus) Burke. He graduated from Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN. He married Rita Rigaux, an native of France. He served in the Air Force Police in Germany, France and England. After his discharge from service in 1964 then he and his wife, Rita Rigaux moved to Gary, IN. James worked for US Steel as a security guard/ fireman until retiring in 2003.

James was accomplished at Policing. He was a sergeant for US Steele security. He and his wife were fond of animals and had dogs and cats. He was a bowler; he was social in his neighborhood. Jim and his wife always attended family functions.

A funeral is scheduled for November 7, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, located at 8303 Taft St in Merrillville, IN.. Father Lou will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Humane Indiana at 421 45th Avenue, Munster, IN 46321. Condolences can be sent to http://humanesocietynorthwestindiana.org/

The family would like to thank Aviva Memory Care and Transitions Hospice for their kind and loving care of Jim while he was living there, August 2024 until his death. Nurses, CNAs, directors and social workers are truly dedicated to this special population.  The family would like to thank his neighbors in Gary, Glen Park neighborhood for their involvement and care of Jim.  The family would also like to thank Mary B, a former caregiver, for her care before he lived at Aviva.