James Burke, infamously known for his involvement in the Lufthansa cash and jewelry heist at John F. Kennedy International Airport, was born on May 7, 1931 in New York. Raised in a turbulent environment, Burke was a ward of the foster care system and endured a traumatic childhood filled with abuse of all kinds. Despite his troubled past, Burke displayed a penchant for criminal activities from a young age.
In his early adulthood, Burke's criminal tendencies escalated as he became involved in organized crime in New York City. He had ties to both the Lucchese and Bonanno crime families and was directly or indirectly linked to numerous murders. Notorious for orchestrating the Lufthansa heist in 1978, Burke's criminal empire continued to grow, making him a feared figure in the underworld.
James Burke, born as James Conway, was the son of Irishwoman Jane Conway. He married a woman named Mickey and together they raised two children, Frankie and Catherine Burke. Despite his chaotic criminal lifestyle, Burke maintained a semblance of family life, albeit tainted by his illicit activities.
One of the most chilling aspects of Burke's criminal career was his propensity for violence. He was responsible for the murder of his wife's former boyfriend, displaying a ruthless and cold-hearted nature that earned him the nickname "Jimmy The Gent Conway." Burke's ruthless behavior extended to his dealings with rival gangs and anyone who crossed him, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous and unpredictable criminal.
James Burke's criminal exploits inspired the character of "Jimmy The Gent Conway" portrayed by Robert De Niro in the iconic mafia film Goodfellas. His legacy as a cunning and ruthless criminal mastermind continues to fascinate and intrigue audiences, immortalizing him in popular culture as a key figure in the criminal underworld of New York City.