Brentwood resident Jim Burke died at home surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born and raised in Chicago, Jim graduated from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island, Ill.

Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 42 years, Patricia (Daley) Burke: his brothers, Jack Burke (Joie) and Tom Burke (Rosario); his sons, James Burke (Kathy) and Scott Burke (Eadaoin); and the loves of his life, grandchildren Eloisa, Aleisha, Liam, Kenneth and Brendan Burke. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Duane; his mother, Mary Margaret McNerney; and his 2-year-old sister, Mary Frances.

After serving as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, he started his career as a heavy-equipment mechanic. He moved his family to California and became a commercial-truck driver, driving for All American Racers for a short time. “Outstanding” Jim had many passions in life, which included driving, watching car races (NASCAR and Indy), boating, go-carting, cycling, reading, playing with the grandkids, serving Long Islands, bar-b-cueing and playing “words with friends.”

Jim will be greatly missed by his family, extended families and friends. On Friday, Sept. 23, there will be a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 1313 A St. in Antioch. Internment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice, to Caring Bridge (www.caringbridge.org/jimburke) or to Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.