James V. Burke, 88, of Lombard, a retired inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, died Saturday, March 18, in Manor Care in Elk Grove Village. Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, he began his career as a food and dairy inspector in 1937 and retired 37 years later as an assistant superintendent, said his daughter Maureen Burke. “He worked during some tough times and met all sorts of characters and was never corrupted,” said his daughter. Mr. Burke was a staunch Democrat who worked on the campaign of President John F. Kennedy. “He was an admirer of Mayor Richard J. Daley,” said his daughter. “He was dedicated and built a reputation for honesty,” his daughter added. Other survivors include Mr. Burke’s wife of 60 years, Eleanore; two other daughters, Barbara Werner and Kathleen Litos; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S. Meyers Rd., Lombard, with mass at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1025 E. Madison St., Lombard.
