Donald "Jim" Burke, 81, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2024. Born on August 11, 1943, in Danville, Illinois, Jim was the son of the late Robert and Vivian Burke. He grew up in Sunnyside, Washington, where he graduated from Sunnyside High School. Jim went on to attend the University of Washington but left to join the U.S. Army, where he served honorably as an artillery officer during the Vietnam War.
After his military service, Jim returned to the University of Washington and earned his bachelor’s degree. He then embarked on a successful career as a project manager with The Austin Company, retiring after 47 years. His work took him to various sites around the world, including Mexico and Greece. It was in Greece in 1977 where Jim met the love of his life, Athena. The two married and moved to the United States in 1981.
A loving husband, father, and doting Papou to his grandson, Jim was known for his kindness, wit, and dedication to his family. Later in life, he converted to Greek Orthodox Christianity and became an active member of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. He was also a member of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).
Jim is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 43 years, Athena Burke; his children, Melina Burke and Michael Burke (Holly); and his treasured grandson, Brooks Burke. He is also survived by his brother, Richard and his wife Jeanne, sister, Candace and sister-in-law, Sherry Burke. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Terrance Burke.
A visitation for Jim will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076. A funeral service will occur on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Rd, Marietta, GA 30066.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Jim’s memory, https://holytransfiguration.info/give/
