James William Burkey, 66

FELTON - James William Burkey, of Felton, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover. He was 66.

He was born May 6, 1941, in Altoona, Pa., son of the late James and Bertha Burkey.

James was a veteran of the U.S. Marines for four years before transferring to the U.S. Air Force giving over 23 years to his country.

He retired from the Air Force with the rank of tech sergeant. He then worked civil service in the Maintenance Squadron for five years.

He enjoyed gardening, bowling, fishing and hunting. James also liked to work on home projects and was always putting family and friends before himself.

James was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3238 and a member of the American Legion Walter Fox 2, Dover.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Burkey; and a sister, Betty Burkey.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Burkey; seven children, Sean Burkey and his wife Terri of Kentucky, James Burkey Jr. and his wife Jana of Kentucky, Sherri Burkey of Kentucky, Troy Rowland and companion Sherry Clum of Baltimore, Ike Rowland and his wife Michelle of Virginia, Tabitha Garrison of Felton and Tammy Merillo of Harrington; a brother, David Burkey; a stepsister, Patricia Ann Smith; a sister-in-law, Patricia Burkey of Altoona; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a special friend, Lynn Rowland of Dover.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where family will receive friends one hour earlier.

Immediately following the service, friends are invited to join the family at the Camden Veterans of Foreign Wars for a time of fellowship and refreshment until 4 p.m.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, 111 W. 11th St., Suite 3, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Letters of condolences may be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.