GROTON, VT — In the early morning hours of September 11, 2026, James Daniel Burke, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving wife by his side.

Jim was born on August 12, 1940, in Barre, Vermont, to the late James Daniel Burke, Sr. and Norma Margaret (Adams) Burke. In 1950, his family moved from Barre to Bradford, where Jim spent his formative years. He graduated from Bradford Academy in 1958 and earned an associate degree in agriculture from Vermont Technical College in 1960. While working back home in Bradford, Jim met Velma Rose Winn. The two were married in 1962 shortly after Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961. He proudly served his country in the Finance Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky, until 1964, living there alongside Velma during his military service. Upon returning to New England, Jim launched a lifelong career in the paper industry. Over the years, his work took him to paper mills in East Ryegate, VT; Claremont, NH; Elgin, IL; and eventually Wells River, VT. Known for his natural charisma, deep knowledge of paper manufacturing, and love for life on the road, Jim excelled as a salesman. Ahead of his time in the 1970s, he recognized the power of natural living and opened the Herbal Hut health food store in Claremont.

Though he sold the business after a short period, his passion for nutrition, food, and agriculture remained constant throughout his life. In retirement, Jim enjoyed connecting with folks as a vendor at local flea markets.

Jim and Velma raised two beloved children, Tammi and Jonathan. A true outdoorsman, Jim loved sharing his passion for camping with his family. Throughout his life, he made the absolute most of his Vermont home, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. He also held a fond appreciation for antique cars, classic motorcycles, old movies, and country western music.

In later years, Jim met Phyllis Emerson in Wells River. The two shared a wonderful bond and were married in West Newbury in 2021. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Phyllis, of Groton, VT; his daughter, Tammi Klotz of White River Junction, VT (partner Jim Rock) of Hanover, NH; his son, Jonathan Burke of Claremont, NH; granddaughter Amanda Vashon (Logan) and great-granddaughter Freya of Scarborough, ME; granddaughter Jenna Klotz of West Lebanon, NH; sisters Cheryl Burke Climenson of Peabody, MA, and Margaret Burke (Larry Eastman) of Corinth, VT; stepbrother Jay Burke of Florida; and brother-in-law James Emerson of Oregon.

He also leaves behind his stepsons Allan Kirkpatrick (Cheryleen) and son Warren of Arizona, and Aaron Kirkpatrick (Christine) and daughter Elle of Nova Scotia; nephew Peter Conrad; nieces Amy O’Malley, Jennifer Haines, and Elisa Sachs; and several extended family members. Jim was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Velma, in 2025; his brother, Jeffrey, in 2004; his brother-in-law and dear friend, Harry Climenson, in 2011; and his cherished hound dog, J.B., in 2018.

Service & Donation Details: Funeral Service: Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Groton United Methodist Church in Groton, VT. Burial: Groton Village Cemetery, directly following the service. All are warmly invited to a reception and lunch in the church dining room afterward.

Memorial Donations: May be made in Jim’s memory to the Bradford Academy Alumni Association (P.O. Box 424, Bradford, VT 05033) or the Vermont Alzheimer’s Association (75 Talcott Road, Suite 40, Williston, VT 05495).

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Rebecca Crow and the staff at the Veterans Hospital in White River, VT, as well as Hands at Home Care Services LLC in Waitsfield, VT, for their compassionate care.