James Frederick Burke, 1943–2026, retired Waltham firefighter

James Frederick Burke, also known as “Big Guy,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82.

Jim grew up in Waltham, raised his family in Sudbury, and spent many summers in Marshfield—places that meant a lot to him throughout his life. He worked for many years as a firefighter in Waltham and later owned and ran his own painting business. Earlier in life, he also played minor league baseball in the Cincinnati Reds organization. He was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to supporting his family.

Jim loved fishing, and many of his favorite memories were taking his grandchildren fishing, often followed by a stop at Friendly’s for ice cream. He also enjoyed reading, horse racing and playing cards. He was a loyal Boston sports fan, an old-school Celtics fan who held season tickets back in the days of the Boston Garden, and he always kept an eye on baseball.

To those who knew him best, Jim was an unforgettable personality. He was a charismatic storyteller, a clever guy with a twinkle in his eye, thoughtful and generous, and always ready with a story or a laugh. His presence, humor and love of family will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Jim’s greatest pride and joy was his family, and the memories he made with them will be cherished for generations. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Jim enjoyed a full life centered on family, storytelling and the things he loved most. Jim shared 63 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sara, and together they built a large and loving family that was the center of his life. He was a proud father of six children and a deeply devoted grandfather to 19 grandchildren and 3½ great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Burke of Sudbury; his children Jim and Marie Burke of Wayland, Cheryle and John Gallagher of Marshfield, David and Anne Burke of Cohasset, Greg and Joanne Burke of Wayland, Kristin and Bud Noel of Brewster, and Jenn and Brendan Glass of Duxbury; and his siblings William Burke of Marlborough, Beverly Wright and Dave Wright of Billerica and John and Judith Burke of Texas.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Irene Burke of Waltham, and his brother, Michael Burke of Waltham.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Jim’s life during visiting hours in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Friday morning, March 20, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian burial at Our Lady of Fatima Church – Ascension Parish Sudbury Campus, 160 Concord Road, Sudbury, at 11:30 a.m. Burial, with Waltham Fire Department Honors, will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sudbury.