Educator. Born in 1902 in Hobart, Oklahoma. Was awarded B.S. by West Texas State University (1929), M.A. by Texas Technological College (1933), and Ph. D. by Burton College (1961). Began teaching career at Amarillo College of Music in 1927. Moved to Jal, New Mexico, to serve as superintendent of Jal schools (1935-1963). Served as president of College of the Southwest in Hobbs, News Mexico (1964-1971). Associated with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the New Mexico Democratic Party. Married Joyce Esther Gross in 1928 and had four children.
From the description of Papers, 1911-1980. (Texas Tech University). WorldCat record id: 23293332
Born in 1902 in Hobart, Oklahoma, Burke was awarded his B. S. by West Texas State University (1929) after first attending Ohio State University for several years. While at O.S.U., Burke joined the marching band. He received the Script Ohio Award in 1985 in appreciation of his long-time support for the band. Subsequent degrees earned by Burke include a M. A. from Texas Technological College (1933), and his Ph. D. from Burton College (1961). He began his teaching career at Amarillo College of Music in 1927 and later moved to Jal, New Mexico, to serve as superintendent of the Jal schools (1935-1963). He became president of the College of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico in 1964 and retired in 1971. During World War II, he volunteered for Navy duty and served as a recognition instructor at several Navy Pre-Flight Schools. J. L. Burke continued to be a strong Navy supporter for the remainder of his life. Burke was active with a number of associations including Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, New Mexico Democratic Party, Rotary, and the Sons of the American Revolution. In addition to his love of music, he enjoyed a lifelong enthusiasm for poetry. His poems appeared in a number of periodicals and two small collections. He promoted poetry by funding awards for regional poetry contests. Burke and his wife also were avid supporters of higher education, establishing a number of scholarship funds at their alma maters. He married Joyce Esther Gross in 1928 in Amarillo, Texas, and the marriage produced four children. J. L. Burke died in 1991.
From the guide to the J. L. Burke, Jr. Papers, S187. 3., 1902-1997 and undated, (Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University)
