John E. Burke, Jr. was born on February 17, 1946, in Galveston, Texas, to John E. Burke and Pauline F. Bunyan. He graduated from La Marque High School in 1964 before joining the United States Navy, where he served as an Air Traffic Controlman during the Vietnam War. John married the love of his life, Patricia E. "Patty" Burke, in 1970 while stationed at Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, John began his career in the oil industry as a Mud Engineer in the Permian Basin of West Texas. He later joined Milchem Incorporated, where he continued working as a Mud Engineer in Dickinson, Texas. John and Patty eventually settled in Baytown, Texas, where they both began careers with ExxonMobil. During his time there, John developed and managed the Polymers Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, where he remained until his retirement in 2010.

In May 2014, John and Patty moved to Amarillo, Texas. John was an active member of the Black Sheep Offroad Club and especially enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie he found through the club, as well as working on his Jeep.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patty; and his daughter, Susan K. Burke. He is survived by his sons, John J. Burke and his wife, Tiffany, and Timothy A. Burke and his wife, Robin; his brother, Michael Burke and his wife, Deborah. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the countless moments they shared with him and the love, wisdom, and laughter that will stay with them always.