James Edward Burk, Sr.

James Edward Burk, Sr., 90, of Marathon, NY, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at the VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, while surrounded by his loving family.

Born in the Town of Freetown, NY, on March 8, 1934, Jim was the son of the late LeRoy Jospeh Burk, Sr. and Nellie Burville Burk.  He attended Marathon Central School where he was very active in sports.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 where he was stationed in Germany.  He retired from the International Union of Operating Engineers where he had worked for many companies for over 50 years.  He was a member of the Osco Robinson Post #617 American Legion, Marathon, and a member of the McGraw Grange.  Jim loved his family, hunting, spending time at his camp, playing the lottery, watching his birds, country music and dancing, and his two dogs.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley Falso Burk, and his children, James E. (Debbie) Burk, Jr., Thomas (Patty) Burk, Sr., Shirlene (Steven, Sr.) Strough, Darlene (Mark) Harris, and Jeannine (Larry) Burk.  He also leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by daughters, LeeAnn Burk and Carlene Burk; a granddaughter, Michelle Harris; a grandson, Patrick Young; brothers, John Smith, Erwin “Dutch” Smith, and LeRoy Joseph Burk, Jr. and sisters, Mary McCracken and Helen Cook.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no services.  Those who wish to express their sympathy for Jim may do so by playing the lotto.