HAZLETON, Ind. — James P. Burke, 51, of Hazleton, Ind., formerly of Fort Branch, Ind., passed away on Monday, March. 30, 2009, at his residence. He was born to the late Robert E. Burke and Dorothy (Drexler) Burke in Evansville, Ind. on Mar. 29, 1958.

He was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch, Ind., and the Knights of Columbus in Haubstadt, Ind. He had worked as a machinist for Heritage Custom Fabrications. Jim was an avid sports enthusiast; he loved I.U. sports and the Indianapolis Colts.

Jim is survived by his son, Josh Burke of Haubstadt, Ind.; his mother, Dorothy (Burke) Thornburg of Evansville, Ind.; brother, Brent (Alecia) Burke of Wadesville, Ind.; 2 sisters, Betty (Jerry) Brown of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Lois (Ron) Morgan of Evansville, Ind.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted on Monday, April. 6, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Snake Run, Ind. Fathers Tony Ernst, Gary Kaiser and Deacon Steve Hall will be co-celebrants with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Apr. 5, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Stodghill Funeral Home, located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, Ind. A rosary will be conducted Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.