James G. Burke, 80, of Childs, PA, died Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Geisinger-CMC, Scranton, PA, after an extended illness.

Born June 4, 1945 in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Gerard and Ruth Fife Burke.

Jim was a 1963 graduate of St. Rose High School, Carbondale, received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Mansfield University in 1969 and later received his master's degree from the University of Scranton. He dedicated over forty years of his career as an educator and administrator with the Carbondale Area School District. He will be fondly remembered by generations of Carbondale students as a teacher at the Roosevelt School and later Carbondale Elementary, where he also served as principal.

In 1976, Jim became a part time instructor at Lackawanna College and in 2004 was appointed full-time faculty having taught English and the humanities. He was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Carbondale.

He is survived by several cousins and his longtime caretaker, Bill Lewis, Jr.

He was also preceded in death by a brother: William Burke.

As per his request, a private interment service was held at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Greenfield Township, PA, officiated by Jim’s longtime friend, Rev. William J.P. Langan.

Arrangements were entrusted to Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.