James W. Burket

James W. Burket, Age 86, rose to heaven on Monday, March 3rd.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, William Burket; his mother, Anna Petersen; his brother, Donald Burket; Step siblings; Paul Petersen, Catherine Hoppe; and his companion, Darlene Barron.

He is survived by his five children: Jeannette (Matt) Sonnentag, Joan Mertes, Jim (Lynn) Burket Jr., Jennifer (Chuck) Forliti-Weymann, and Jill (Erick Lindbeck) Burket; former wife of 34 years, Zetta "Jackie" Burket; Step siblings, George Petersen, and Barbara Gregor; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; as well as many cherished relatives and friends, whose lives were far better for having known him.

Jim was born on December 29th 1938, in St. Paul, where he was proud to be a "Rice Streeter". A proud "Prexie" from Washington High School, Class of '57, he dedicated over 30 years of service to American National Can Co. He sat on the Board of Directors for the Canco Credit Union. He served multiple terms on both the Supervisory and Credit Committees.

Jim was known for his passion for life, willingness to lend a helping hand, and remarkable ability to see the good in every situation. His favorite saying, no matter the circumstances, was: "Every day is a good day". A true "jack of all trades".

There was nothing Jim wouldn't tackle, from playing hockey in his youth to skiing the mountains of Colorado with his family. He embraced every adventure and lived for a good time.

There will be two occasions to honor Jim's life: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, March 12th at 11:30 AM at St. John's Catholic Church of Little Canada, 380 Little Canada Road E, Little Canada, Minnesota, with a Visitation one hour prior at 10:30 AM. Join us for a Visitation, Tuesday, March 11th at 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear, Minnesota.

A special thanks to Beyond Hospice, Cerenity, and Cardigan Ridge caregivers who enhanced his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family preferred

"Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was."