James Burke

Background

Burke was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1890 but was orphaned when he was 8 years old.

Career

After high school he took night classes at New York University while he worked. In 1914 he moved to Queens, where he became active in many civic organizations. During the first World War he worked as a civilian at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, eventually becoming superintendent of stock in charge of $60 million worth of supplies.

After the war, he had various jobs in purchasing and accounting.

He had leadership positions in two Queens civic organizations. While there, he championed Queens issues, including the construction of the Grand Central Parkway.

While in office, he focused on transportation and taxes in the borough. He did not seek any further political offices.

He died in his Little Neck, Queens, home in 1965.

Achievements

• In 1941, he won election as borough president of Queens, beating the Republican incumbent George U. Harvey. He won two terms to the office, and resigned in 1949.

Membership

He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Queens Company, 4th Doctorate) in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1935.