James Edmund Burke (April 23, 1849 – May 4, 1943) was an American politician who served as the 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 27th mayor of Burlington, Vermont.

[16] In 1903 he ran against Hawley again and was initially defeated by three votes, but after a recount and a ruling by the state supreme court Burke was declared as the winner in May.

[17][18] During his first term as mayor, Burke suspended the chief of police and launched an investigation into the police department, oversaw the establishment of the city's electric department and completion of the electrical infrastructure construction.

[29] During World War I, Burke joined a statewide speaker's bureau that made speeches in support of fundraising for the American Red Cross and other wartime causes.

[14] In his final term, Burke was the oldest member of the legislature, and was recognized as the dean of the House.