Obituary of Jim Burk, Sr.

James Levi Burk Sr. 95, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on December18, 2023. James L Burk was born in Bloomfield, New Mexico. After the death of his biological mother, he was adopted by John Wesley Burk and Gertrude Hofmann Burk at the age of five. He was an only child. James grew up in Eagar, Arizona and attended school there. He loved the White Mountains of Northern Arizona, and his favorite sports were hunting, fishing and bull riding in local rodeos. James was exceptionally bright. In 1943, while still a Senior in high school, he joined the US Marine Corps by lying about his age to the local Marine Corps recruiter. James loved his country and served honorably from 1944 to 1945 in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. As a pilot of a Corsair F4U fighter he fought in the Palau Island Campaign, Battle of Peleliu. After the war ended, he served an additional two years in the South Pacific to complete his military obligation. After his return from military service, he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Ziegler in Greer, Arizona. They were married on June 21, 1949. They celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary just a month before his beloved Betty passed away July 17, 2019. He is also preceded in death by his son, James L. Burk Jr. His parents, Wesley & Gertrude Burk. As well as 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Pamela Burk Johnson, Gary Burk, Debra Burk Quist, 19 loving grandchildren, and 56 great grandchildren. James was an extremely hard worker. He worked for the International Harvester Company for 30 years and retired in 1980. His employment at International Harvester took him all over the nation and around the world to Texas, New Mexico, California, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Hawaii, Venezuela, and the Philippines. James was not only active in service to his country, he also loved the Lord and held many positions of importance in his church. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served tirelessly in many callings. He served the youth multiple times in the Young Men’s organization and as a Sunday School teacher. He served as a counselor in his ward’s Elders Quorum presidency, and he served in three different Ward Bishoprics. He and his beloved Betty served for six years as Mesa Arizona Temple workers.  Between 1983 and 1985 they served a full-time Senior Couple Mission to West Virginia. They also served two service missions for their church. One for twelve years at the Mesa Family History Center and another for two years at the Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa. James loved his wife and all his family fiercely. He was the Rock of his family. James was an ordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. He was a friend to everyone. He could literally start up a conversation with anyone. He knew no strangers and loved everyone he knew.