Jim grew up on a farm west of Emerald.  After high school graduation Jim attended UNL and Colorado State University and received his degree from Nebraska Vocational Technical School and later became an instructor there.  He also was employed at Square D.  Jim owned Burkey EDM Technology, Inc.  He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  Jim enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and bowling.  He was diagnosed with cancer only one month before his death and died March 18, 2001.  Jim is survived by two daughters, one son and one granddaughter.