It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Martin Burckle, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and dear friend.
Jim's life was unfortunately cut short after a heroic battle with ALS. Despite living the last three and a half years of his life with this terrible disease, he squeezed every ounce out of life.
Jim was born on September 7, 1958 in Wiesbaden, Germany, to Mary Emeline and Alton George Burckle. With his father's service in the Air Force, Jim grew up in several locations in the U.S. and ultimately settled in Costa Mesa, California. Despite graduating with a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University, his heart remained true to the warm beaches and sunshine of Southern California, where he returned promptly after his graduation. While living there in the mid 1980's, he met his wife Wilhelmina. They married in October 1988 and remained happily married for the ensuing 27 years. Jim was the proud father of two sons, Alex (26) and Christopher (24), whom he loved dearly. After several years in California, Jim and his family moved to Austin, Texas, and then ultimately settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he lived until his passing. Jim had a long and successful career in information technology sales. He spent many of his later years up to his last day working as the Director of North American OEM Sales for Sierra Wireless. He was an adored coworker and colleague and was loved by the hundreds of people he did business with over his career.
Jim spent countless hours in his youth on the ocean with his family on his Dad's sailboat. While he loved the sea, Jim truly excelled on land as an exceptional and lifelong golfer. He competed several times in the Utah State Amateur golf tournament. Despite being a source of disappointment in recent years, Jim was a fanatical fan of his USC football Trojans. He was a tequila aficionado and we hope that you join us as we raise a glass in his honor. As he would say to his beloved Trojans, we now say to you, our husband, our father, our brother, and our dear friend, fight on!
He is survived by his adoring wife, Wilhelmina, and his proud sons Alex and Christopher. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Ed (Susan), George (Chris), Carrie (Ladd), John (Crystal), and their children. His memory also lives on through his sister-in-law Nancy and his mother-in-law Anneke.
A funeral mass celebrating his life is being planned for Labor Day Weekend in Orange County, California and details will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, we suggest that a donation be made in his honor to the ALS Association or the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Utah.
