MAPLE CITY - James Earl Burk, 83, of Maple City, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born on November 25, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Earl and Marjorie (Green) Burk. On August 17, 1963, in Flint, Michigan, he married the love of his life, Natalie Lafon Dean, with whom he shared 61 wonderful years.

James earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Northwest Nazarene University and built a successful career, first as a methods engineer at General Motors, then as a chemist, technical director, and sales engineer in plastics, tooling, and adhesives. He retired from Huntsman Advanced Materials in 2009. He was a proud member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and took great pride in his work.

He was also a scholar of the Bible and a man of great faith. From teaching Sunday School to mentoring couples to singing in a quartet, James always found ways to share his wisdom without judgment. He was an amazing listener who could make conversation with anyone by asking all the right questions.

Above all, he was a dedicated family man and a beloved, actively involved grandfather. The most important thing to him was spending time with his family, and he and his wife, Natalie, took joy in hosting their children and grandchildren at their home.

In 2021, James and Natalie moved to the house his parents had built on Little Traverse Lake. There, they found a community of neighbors on the lake and friends at Leland Community United Methodist Church. Even while battling cancer, James attended Sunday services, Bible study, and especially loved their Tuesday evening Community Meal.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Natalie; his children, James (Beverly) Burk II, Stephen (Kelly) Burk, and Kara Lee Burk (Timothy Scheidler); his grandchildren, Erin, Emily, Anna, and Rachel Burk; and his step-grandchildren, Micaiah, Maxwell, and Grace Scheidler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Vance Burk and Marjorie Myrtle Burk.

A memorial service will be held at Leland Community United Methodist Church, with the date and time to be determined.

Memorial contributions in James' honor may be directed to 5 Loaves, 2 Fish, P.O. Box 602, Leland, MI 49654.

Please share condolences and memories with James' family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.