James Wade Burke

James Wade Burke, 76, of Jackson, passed peacefully on May 24,2025, surrounded by loved ones after a year-long battle with cancer. Born July 2, 1948, in Poplar Bluff to James C. and Marguerite Layton Burke, he married Teresa "Teri" Lindsay on January 6, 1973, at First Baptist Church in Jackson, where he was later baptized. He was a member of Mercy Hill Church. Jim graduated from Dexter High School in 1966 and served three years in the U.S. Army's Europe headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. Working in administration, he credited officers for teaching him valuable life skills and a barracks buddy for helping him shed his "Dexter accent." After his service, he earned a Business Administration degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1973. He found his calling at AAA Insurance in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 2012 after 26 years. His competitive spirit shone in sates competitions, earning him numerous trips while always prioritizing excellent client service. Jim took much pleasure in participating in sports and fitness. Jim played center on Dexter's state-competing basketball team and won a Flag Football Championship in the Army. He continued playing intramural sports all 4 years at SEMO University. He coached his sons' Optimist Baseball and Basketball teams and was a fixture at the SEMO Rec Center for over 30 years, playing basketball with college students, and then later with guys his own age playing "Geezer Ball". He ran 5K marathons, the River-to-River Relay, and was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Jackson in 1996. Even during his final year, he was determined to remain active at the Rec Center. Jim and Teri loved RV adventures, visiting 50 National Parks across the U.S., finding beauty in nearly every state. They continued their travels until they were blessed with their one and only granddaughter, Charlotte Mae. As much as they loved traveling together, the opportunity to be able to help care for their granddaughter was an easy choice. "Charlie" has been such a blessing to her "Pop". He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Teri; sons, Travis of Cape Girardeau, Brian (Laura) of Jackson, and Jared of Oak Ridge; granddaughter, Charlotte; brothers-in-law, Jay Trammell of Dexter, Marc Lindsay of Dallas, Jeff (Stephanie) Lindsay of Asheville, NC; sister-in-law, Suzanne Duplissey (Bob Uren) of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Trammell; brother-in-law, Randy Lindsay; and Teri's parents, William and Betty Lindsay. Visitation will be held at Ford and Sons Jackson Funeral Home on Thursday, May 29 from 10 am to 12 pm. A funeral service, led by Pastor Aaron Campbell, will follow at noon at the funeral home, with private burial at Cape County Memorial Park at a later date. If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Mercy Hill Church Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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James Wade Burke

July 2, 1948 - May 24, 2025