James A. Burke

  ATHOL - James A. Burke, 87 of 4 Estabrook Street, Athol, died Monday, August 27, 2012 in Newton-Wellesley Alzheimer’s, Wellesley, MA.   He was born in Orange, on May 30, 1925, the son of the late James P. and the late Flora H. (Hunt) Burke of Athol.   Mr. Burke attended school in Athol, Orange and Petersham.  He served his country in The North Atlantic and Pacific during WWII for the Navy, where he miraculously survived a 40’ fall down a deck bulkhead. After the war for many years, Mr. Burke drove car carriers for Anchor freight, distributing Chevy’s to dealerships around the country. He was honored as a teamster for driving more than a million consecutive miles without an accident. He was a member of Edward H. Phillips American Legion Post No. 102, Athol.   Mr. Burke leaves four siblings: Dustin Burke of East Longmeadow, Joanne Berkowitz of Newton, Robert Burke of Easthampton and Susan Rosenthal of Bradford, VT.   At his request, funeral services will be private.   No calling hours are scheduled.   For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com.   Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 1356 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });