Johnny (JB) Vandameer Burke Jr.

Johnny Vandameer (JB) Burke, Jr., age 65, of Merrillville, IN, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, June 8, 2024. He was born on April 28, 1959, in Charleston, WV, to Johnny V. and Frankie (Tharp) Burke. John graduated from Merrillville High School in 1977. On August 31, 1985, he married his beloved wife, Barb (Clark) Burke. John was employed for 26 years at Ford Motor Company’s Hegewisch Plant beginning on the assembly line and very quickly becoming an apprentice to become a Pipefitter. He retired from Ford on January 1, 2022. John’s journey through life was remarkable. He truly made the most of his retirement, spending his days bowling (7 perfect games), golfing, traveling, and hanging out with family, grandkids, and friends. John was a huge sports fan, passionately supporting the Cubs, da Bears and Notre Dame. He also loved classic country music and enjoyed attending concerts and supporting live local music with Barbie and friends. For decades, John and family have attended Bethel Church & Ministries in Crown Point, IN. John also enjoyed organizing the annual friends and family patio night at the stadium for the Gary SouthShore RailCats. He loved making memories at the annual Cubs’ spring training games in Arizona and traveling to away games hoping to watch the Cubs play in every stadium. He cherished Sunday night family dinners at La Carreta Merrillville and hanging out at the Howlin’ Mad Marine Corps Tun Tavern, and the Slovak Club. He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny V. Burke; in-laws, Jim & Dorothy Clark; stepfather, Danny Cutright; brothers-in-law, Ron Clark, and Bruce Bell; sisters-in-law, Marcia Clark, and Joan Clark. John is survived by his wife, Barb (Clark) Burke; 2 sons, Austin (Emily) Burke and Addison (Krista) Burke; mother, Frankie (Joe & Family) Burke; 3 brothers: Mike (Martha) Burke, Gregg (Sharon) Burke and Rob (Kathy) Burke; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Susan) Clark, Dave (Tammy) Clark; 2 sisters-in-law, Cathy Bell and Bev (Don) McLain; 6 precious grandchildren: Jameson, Lochlan, Everett, Petal, Paisley and Gatlin; many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His absence leaves a void in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus, reunited with his dad and other loved ones who passed before him. John’s legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. RIP JB. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 12 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 3 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Mark Jobe officiating. Please feel free to wear Cubs, Notre Dame or Bears attire and shorts! There will be no burial services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s honor to Bethel Church in Crown Point, Howlin’ Mad Marine Corps Tun Tavern in Merrillville, or the charity of your choice. www.burnsfuneral.com

Johnny (JB) Vandameer Burke Jr.

April 28, 1959 - June 8, 2024