James P. ‘Jim’ Burke, 72 of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026 at his home. He was the loving husband of Donna M. (Lilly) Burke with whom he just celebrated 48 years of marriage.
He was born in Niagara Falls, Canada on April 1, 1953 and was a son of the late Patrick and Margaret (O’Sullivan) Burke. At a young age, he came to Lowell, where he was raised and attended the local schools, graduating from Lowell High School.
Jim worked as a production manager at Pellon for many years until his retirement. He loved walking the Boulevard each week with his good friend Dennis. He enjoyed traveling to Florida, spending time at the beach, eating breakfast at Mary Ann’s diner in Salem NH, and was an avid sports fan. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife, Donna of Lowell, he is survived by his son, Michael Burke of Lowell; and his brothers and sisters, Vinnie Burke and his wife, Anne of Delaware, Patricia Burke of Lowell, and Richard Burke and his wife, Debra of Lowell.
His wife's siblings, David Lilly of New Hampshire, Marc Lilly of Daytona, FL and his wife, Mindee of St. Augustine, FL, Nancy Canelas and her husband, Juan of Nashua, NH, Julie Couillard of New Hampshire, Scott Minton of New Hampshire, Brenda Torrigan and her husband, Zaven of Lowell, and Rayleen Caggiano and her husband, Nicholas of Palm Coast, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, the late Patrick Burke; his siblings, the late Daniel Burke, Maureen Burke, Catherine Burke, and Kevin Burke; and his wife's siblings, the late Michael Lilly, and John Lilly. He was also the son in law of the late Madeline Paquin, and the late Cecil Ray and his wife, the late Doreen Lilly.
On Monday, February 23, 2026 all are welcome to attend his calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.
***DUE TO THE WEATHER, BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE AFTER THE STORM AND HIS FUNERAL WILL BE LIVE STREAMED AT: Service Streaming Link
Burial will take place after the storm at St. Joseph Cemetery.