James Gerard Burke

James G Burke age 78 of Dixon died peacefully Friday Feb. 19, 2016 at his home. He was born Nov. 9, 1937 in Rockford the son of James J and Mary Agnes (Donovan) Burke. He had owned and operated Burke Realty in Dixon for over 40 years. Jim served 3 terms on the Dixon City Council from 1967 to 1979 and served 4 terms as Mayor of Dixon from 1999 to 2015. He was a founding member of the Dixon River Front project, of which he was immensely proud. He loved the town of Dixon and was its biggest promoter; "we can do that in Dixon" was often said. During Jim's tenure as Mayor 19 different boards were created including the Arts & Cultural Affairs Commission, Reagan Trail Committee, Veterans Memorial Commission and the Dixon Veterans Memorial Commission Museum Board to name a few. In addition Jim worked closely with and or assisted 28 different organizations and projects for the betterment of Dixon including the Bus Center, Dixon Welcome Center, I-39 Logistics Corridor Association, Lee County Industrial Development Association, Streetscape Program, and Dixon Sister Cities. Jim was an avid reader and enjoyed having coffee and conversation at Books on First. He enjoyed his daily walks, no matter how hot or cold it was. The highlight of every spring was the annual trek to the Morel Festival in Muscoda, WI. Sometimes hunted, but mostly bought, it was always a good time of drinks, music, laughter and the infamous rummage sales. He was a "Reagan Democrat" and had a fierce love of politics. He always saw the inherent good in people, respected and listened to their opinions; well 99.9% of them anyway. He was a loving husband and father. He thought a lot of his family and enjoyed fixing breakfast and lunch for them in the park. The grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved every minute he spent with them. He was a true Irishman with a twinkle in his eye, a story to tell, and a great sense of humor. He loved to travel; Ireland, Africa, Germany, Italy, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Alaska, all over the U.S. and was able to attend Democratic Conventions and Inaugurations. Jim married Lucy Gugerty Aug. 23, 1958 at St Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon. He is survived by his wife, children Bradley (Debra) Burke of Dixon, James J Burke of Dunedin, FL, Laura (Steve Brazeau) Burke of Green Bay, WI, Christine (Jim) Jones of Nachusa, 4 grandchildren, Bradley (Stacy Braddy) Burke, Blake (Sarah Wypasek) Burke, Elizabeth Jones and Ashley Jones, 1 brother Edward Burke of Sparks, NV and 1 sister JoAnn Guthrie of Dixon. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Burke, sister Maureen Atwood and a sister in infancy, brothers in law Alan Atwood and Bill Guthrie. At Jims request a private service will be held at a later date. The family would like for everyone to remember the fun and good times they had with Jim. He was dearly loved, highly respected, and will be missed terribly.

James Gerard Burke

November 9, 1937 - February 19, 2016