James �Jim� C. Burke, 69, of Jacksonville, IL, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at home. Born in Dixon, IL, on November 26, 1942, he was the son of the late James and Gertrude Shomaker Burke. On August 9, 1962, he married Carolyn Knupp. Jim is survived by his wife Carolyn; son James (Paula) Burke of Springfield and daughter Kelly (Frank) Marcy of Chatham; grandchildren Erin Burke and Kylie Burke, both of Springfield and Karsen Marcy of Chatham; sister Loretta (Thomas) Densmore of Sterling; close friend Jan Snyder of Jacksonville; several nieces and nephews. Jim served his country in the United States Navy. He graduated from Northern Illinois University. Jim retired in 1999 as Assistant Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education. Former Chatham residents for 25 years, Jim and Carolyn moved to Jacksonville 14 years ago. Cremation rites were accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham. A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, November 24, 2012, from 2-4PM, at Sangamon Prairie Reception Center, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, 2200 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
