Jul 20, 1928 - Mar 25, 2018

James 'Skip' Burke passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Indian Wells, California on March 25th. Skip was born in San Francisco to James L and Margaret Burke, Sr. as a third generation Californian. He attended Claremont High School where he was active in athletics, lettering in 4 sports and was active in leadership. He then attended Pomona College where he met his wife of 65 years, Nancy P. Burke who preceded him in death last year.

After graduating Pomona College, he was inducted in the US Air Force Officer Training School. He was selected to serve in the OSI in the counter intelligence division where he served during the Korean War. His business career began in earnest at Coldwell Banker in 1956 and was soon chosen to open the San Diego office as its Sales Manager at 31 years old. He later moved to the Los Angeles headquarters where he ran the company's retail commercial group, became a Director of the Company when it went public in 1968 and helped the company expand nationally. During that time he was the leading real estate expert for Department Stores helping Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, among others expand nationally. He then worked for long time client and friend, Ernest W. Hahn Company, and ultimately became an independent shopping center developer before his retirement.

Skip's passions included travelling extensively with his wife Nancy, his family, and times spent at The Vintage Club and summers in Mammoth Lakes. He was active in Boy Scouts, the California Museum of Science and Industry, Chamber of Commerce, ICSC, Pomona College Alumni Council among many others. 

He is survived by his sister Barbara, his sons Bob and Mike and their wives Liz and Mary, as well as his beloved grandchildren Lauren, Cammie, Courtney and Tommy. He was devoted to his wife, his family, friends, and colleagues and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either The Vintage Employees Scholarship Fund c/o The Desert Community Foundation, 75-105 Merle Drive, Ste 300, Palm Desert, Ca 92211 or Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, PO Box 7275, Mammoth Lakes, Ca 93546-7275 honoring James L Burke. 

Published in The Desert Sun from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2018