James Benjamin Burke

James (Jim) Benjamin Burke of Whitehall passed away on September 23, 2023 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends. Born January 23, 1965 in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Ronald Keith Burke, DDS and Dorothy J. (Rothrock) Morgues, and the stepson of the late Albert Morgues, with whom he was very close.

Jim was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Upon graduation, he became a dedicated counselor and ultimately house supervisor for troubled youth at KidsPeace. Each year he took his group on a vacation to the Jersey shore. He was particularly fond of Long Beach Island.

In more recent decades his love for science drew him to positions at Lutron, Linde, and most recently Heidelberg Materials and Cement where he honed his skills as an electrical technician. Calibrating fine instruments at 200 feet on swaying towers or conducting detailed tests in sterile laboratories was a job he never found dull and often couldn't wait for the rush it

provided.

Jim was predeceased by his older sister Susan (Burke) Messbauer, who loved him dearly. He is survived by his brother-in-law and friend Bob Messbauer of Kunkletown, nephew Mike Messbauer and his wife Laura of Allentown, niece Sarah Messbauer and great-dog nephew Willie of Huntington, West Virginia, his brother Tim Burke DMD and his partner Peggy Howarth and two more great dog-nephews Yazhi and Brave of Kunkletown, and, his long-time friend Mike O'Connor of Center Valley. Jim was also predeceased by his cherished longtime feline companions Hobbs and Bit. His infectious laugh and colorful storytelling will be missed by all.

Just another day at the beach…

A Celebration of Life service is planned for the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in his memory.