The family of James F. "Jim" O'Rourke of Burlington, MA announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
Here is what we wish the world to know of James.
It is in the silence afterward that we hear how loud a life was.
James F. O'Rourke, 72, of Reading, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Born in Woburn, he was the beloved son of the late John M. and Anna E. (McGloin) O'Rourke. He was raised and educated in Burlington and was a proud graduate of Burlington High School.
Jim attended Lowell Technological Institute and dedicated many years of his professional life as an electrical and industrial engineer with CM Technology in North Reading. He truly loved his work and was often described as a workaholic, taking great pride in his career and the contributions he made to a number of companies throughout the years.
Outside of work, Jim found his greatest joy in the company of family and loved ones. He cherished time spent watching his godson play hockey and looked forward each year to family summer vacations in Ogunquit, Maine and North Conway, New Hampshire. These trips were especially meaningful, as extended family and friends would gather under one roof, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and togetherness. Jim took great pleasure in planning elaborate family dinners and found happiness in simply seeing those he loved enjoying themselves.
He also shared a deep love of the outdoors with his late wife, Jeannette. Together, they spent many treasured summers camping in Lebanon at their beloved campground, affectionately known as "Camp Natural High." For many years, they also took two weeks each summer to relax and embrace the beauty of nature in Antigua.
Jim was a man of great generosity and kindness, always there for his friends and extended family. He had a big heart and was quick to share whatever he had with others, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He was the devoted husband of the late Jeannette K. (Olson) O'Rourke, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage until her passing in 2017. After a period of healing, Jim entered into a relationship with Carlene Harrington, with whom he shared many happy times. He cared deeply for Carlene and her family and enjoyed the time they spent together.
In addition to his late wife and parents, Jim was predeceased by his sister, Patricia L. O'Rourke and his brother-in-law Richard Sousa.
Jim is survived by his loving siblings, Kathleen Sousa of Burlington, John O'Rourke and his wife Ellen of Ossipee, NH, Robert O'Rourke and his wife Karen of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Mary Ellen Emerson and her husband Robert of Stoneham; his beloved nieces and nephews, Ryan and Anna McClusky, Katherine Emerson, Amy Percoskie, Kerry Seligman, Sheena O'Rourke, Meagan Hecht, John O'Rourke III, and his nephew and godson Trey Carchide; and Jeannette's brother who had a special relationship with Jim, Tony Carchide; as well as many more nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces, in-laws, cousins, and many friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Wednesday May 6, from 10am to 12:30pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. His funeral home service will follow the visitation, and burial will take place in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. The family invites relatives and friends to join them after the burial for a luncheon at Café Escadrille, 26 Cambridge Street in Burlington at 1:45pm.
Condolences may be made at www.sullivanfuneralhome.net, and contributions in Jim's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
