40 Facts About Jimmy Burke

Early Life and Background

James "Jimmy" Burke, also known as "The Gent," was a notorious figure in the world of organized crime. His life story is filled with fascinating details that paint a picture of a complex individual.

1. Born on July 5, 1931, in New York City, Jimmy Burke was of Irish descent.
2. Burke was abandoned by his mother at the age of two and spent much of his childhood in foster homes.
3. He earned the nickname "The Gent" due to his polite demeanor and well-dressed appearance.

Criminal Career

Burke's criminal career spanned several decades, during which he became involved in various illegal activities. His reputation grew as he climbed the ranks of organized crime.

4. Burke was associated with the Lucchese crime family, one of the "Five Families" that dominated organized crime in New York.
5. He was heavily involved in loan sharking, extortion, and drug trafficking.
6. Burke's criminal activities extended to hijacking trucks and stealing cargo, a lucrative enterprise in the 1960s and 1970s.
7. He was a mentor to Henry Hill, whose life story was famously depicted in the movie "Goodfellas."

The Lufthansa Heist

One of the most infamous events in Burke's life was the Lufthansa heist, a daring robbery that captured the public's imagination.

8. The Lufthansa heist took place on December 11, 1978, at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
9. Burke masterminded the heist, which resulted in the theft of approximately $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry.
10. The heist was one of the largest cash thefts in American history at the time.
11. Burke meticulously planned the heist, ensuring that the crew left no evidence behind.
12. Following the heist, Burke ordered the murders of several associates to eliminate potential witnesses.

Personal Life

Despite his criminal activities, Burke had a personal life that included family and relationships.

13. Burke married Mickey Burke, and the couple had three children together.
14. His son, Frank James Burke, followed in his father's footsteps and became involved in organized crime.
15. Burke was known for his generosity towards his family and friends, often sharing his ill-gotten gains with them.
16. He was an avid horse racing enthusiast and frequently placed bets on races.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

Burke's criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to legal troubles and imprisonment.

17. In 1982, Burke was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
18. He was also convicted of extortion and sentenced to an additional 12 years.
19. Burke spent the remainder of his life in prison, where he continued to maintain connections with the outside world.
20. He was suspected of being involved in several unsolved murders, but authorities could never gather enough evidence to charge him.

Death and Legacy

Burke's life came to an end behind bars, but his legacy continues to be remembered in popular culture.

21. Jimmy Burke died of lung cancer on April 13, 1996, while serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Waseca, Minnesota.
22. His life and criminal exploits were immortalized in the book "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, which was later adapted into the film "Goodfellas."
23. Burke's character in "Goodfellas" was portrayed by actor Robert De Niro, who brought his story to a wider audience.
24. The Lufthansa heist remains one of the most talked-about robberies in history, with numerous documentaries and books exploring its details.
25. Burke's influence on organized crime in New York City is still studied by criminologists and historians.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond the major events of his life, there are many lesser-known facts about Jimmy Burke that add depth to his story.

26. Burke was known for his meticulous attention to detail, which contributed to his success as a criminal mastermind.
27. He had a reputation for being both ruthless and charming, a combination that made him a formidable figure in the underworld.
28. Burke was a skilled negotiator, often brokering deals between rival crime families.
29. Despite his criminal activities, Burke maintained a low profile and avoided the flashy lifestyle associated with many mobsters.
30. He was known to use multiple aliases to avoid detection by law enforcement.

Connections and Associates

Burke's network of connections and associates played a crucial role in his criminal enterprises.

31. He was closely associated with Paul Vario, a capo in the Lucchese crime family.
32. Burke's crew included several notorious criminals, such as Thomas DeSimone and Angelo Sepe.
33. He had connections with other crime families, including the Gambino and Bonanno families.
34. Burke's relationship with Henry Hill was both professional and personal, with Hill considering him a mentor and father figure.
35. He was known to have bribed law enforcement officials to protect his operations.

Cultural Impact

Jimmy Burke's life has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous works of fiction and non-fiction.

36. The character of Jimmy Conway in "Goodfellas" was based on Burke, highlighting his influence on the film industry.
37. Burke's story has been the subject of several true crime books, exploring different aspects of his life and criminal activities.
38. The Lufthansa heist has been referenced in various TV shows and movies, cementing its place in popular culture.
39. Burke's life has been studied in academic circles, with researchers examining his role in the history of organized crime.
40. His legacy continues to be a source of fascination for true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.

Final Glimpse at Jimmy Burke

Jimmy Burke's life was a whirlwind of crime, cunning, and charisma. Known for his involvement in the infamous Lufthansa heist, he left a mark on the world of organized crime. Burke's ability to evade law enforcement for years showcased his street smarts and strategic thinking. His relationships with other notorious figures like Henry Hill and Paul Vario added layers to his complex persona.

Despite his criminal activities, Burke's story has fascinated many, inspiring books and movies. His life serves as a reminder of the thin line between infamy and notoriety. While his actions were far from commendable, they undeniably shaped a significant part of criminal history.

Understanding Burke's life offers a glimpse into the underworld's workings and the individuals who navigate it. His legacy, though controversial, remains a compelling chapter in the annals of crime.