Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, James Burke was ordained a priest in the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) on June 8, 1956.
On March 8, 1965 Pope Paul VI appointed him as the first Territorial Prelate of Chimbote.
Burke was named the Titular Bishop of Lamiggiga by Pope Paul on April 8, 1967.
[1] He continued to serve as Territorial Prelate until his resignation was accepted by Pope Paul on June 2, 1978.
[2] After his retirement he assisted in the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, in the U.S., as vicar for urban affairs (not as coadjutor or auxiliary), until his death on May 28, 1994, at the age of 67.