Jimmy Burke: The Notorious Lucchese Crime Boss

Who is Jimmy Burke?

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke (May 5, 1931 April 13, 1996) was an Irish-American Lucchese crime family associate and a central figure in the Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in American history.

Burke was born in the Bronx, New York City, to Irish immigrants. He began his criminal career as a teenager, working as a stickup man and a car thief. In the early 1960s, he became associated with the Lucchese crime family, one of the "Five Families" that controlled organized crime in New York City. Burke quickly rose through the ranks of the Lucchese family, becoming a caporegime, or captain, in the early 1970s.

In 1978, Burke was involved in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist, which netted the robbers over $5 million. Burke's role in the heist was to provide the getaway cars and to oversee the distribution of the stolen money. However, the heist went awry, and several of the robbers were arrested. Burke was eventually convicted of racketeering and murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison in 1996.

Burke's life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Jimmy Burke

A central figure in the Lufthansa heist, Jimmy Burke was an Irish-American Lucchese crime family associate known for his involvement in one of the largest cash robberies in American history.

• Born: May 5, 1931
• Died: April 13, 1996
• Occupation: Lucchese crime family associate
• Known for: Lufthansa heist
• Accomplice: Henry Hill

Burke's criminal career began as a teenager when he worked as a stickup man and a car thief. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family, becoming a caporegime, or captain, in the early 1970s.

In 1978, Burke was involved in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist, which netted the robbers over $5 million. Burke's role in the heist was to provide the getaway cars and to oversee the distribution of the stolen money. However, the heist went awry, and several of the robbers were arrested. Burke was eventually convicted of racketeering and murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison in 1996.

Burke's life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Born

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke was born on May 5, 1931, in the Bronx, New York City. He was born into a working-class Irish-American family. His father was a longshoreman, and his mother was a homemaker. Burke had two older sisters.

Burke's childhood was marked by poverty and violence. His father was an alcoholic who often beat his wife and children. Burke dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began working as a runner for a local bookmaker.

In his late teens, Burke joined the Army. He served in the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart. After his discharge from the Army, Burke returned to New York City and began working as a loanshark and a small-time criminal.

Burke's criminal career escalated in the early 1960s when he became associated with the Lucchese crime family. He quickly rose through the ranks of the family, becoming a caporegime, or captain, in the early 1970s.

In 1978, Burke was involved in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist, which netted the robbers over $5 million. Burke's role in the heist was to provide the getaway cars and to oversee the distribution of the stolen money. However, the heist went awry, and several of the robbers were arrested.

Burke was eventually convicted of racketeering and murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison in 1996.

Burke's life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Died

Jimmy Burke died in prison on April 13, 1996, at the age of 64. He had been serving a life sentence for racketeering and murder. Burke's death marked the end of an era in New York City crime. He was one of the last of the old-school mobsters, a man who had risen through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family to become one of its most powerful members.

• Legacy
  

  Burke's legacy is one of violence and brutality. He was a ruthless criminal who was responsible for the deaths of many people. However, he was also a charismatic and intelligent man who was able to rise to the top of the criminal underworld. Burke's life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

• Impact on the Lucchese crime family
  

  Burke's death was a major blow to the Lucchese crime family. He was one of the family's most powerful members, and his death created a power vacuum that led to a period of instability. The Lucchese crime family has never fully recovered from Burke's death, and it is now one of the weakest of the Five Families that control organized crime in New York City.

• End of an era
  

  Burke's death marked the end of an era in New York City crime. He was one of the last of the old-school mobsters, a man who had risen through the ranks of the criminal underworld to become one of its most powerful members. Burke's death signaled the end of the era of the powerful mob boss, and the beginning of a new era in which organized crime would be more decentralized and less violent.

Burke's death is a reminder of the dangers of a life of crime. He was a powerful and successful criminal, but he ultimately paid the price for his crimes. Burke's death is a warning to others who may be tempted to follow in his footsteps.

Occupation

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke was a Lucchese crime family associate. This meant that he was not a full member of the family, but he was close to the family and worked with them on a regular basis. Burke was involved in a variety of criminal activities, including racketeering, murder, and robbery.

• Racketeering
  

  Racketeering is a crime that involves using violence or threats to force someone to do something they do not want to do. Burke was involved in a number of racketeering schemes, including extortion and loansharking.

• Murder
  

  Burke was also involved in several murders. He was convicted of one murder, but he is believed to have been responsible for many more. Burke was a violent man who did not hesitate to use violence to get what he wanted.

• Robbery
  

  Burke was also involved in several robberies. He was part of the crew that robbed the Lufthansa cargo terminal at Kennedy Airport in 1978. This robbery was one of the largest cash robberies in American history.

Burke's criminal career came to an end in 1982 when he was arrested and convicted of racketeering and murder. He was sentenced to life in prison and died in prison in 1996.

Known for

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke is best known for his involvement in the Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in American history. Burke was a central figure in the planning and execution of the heist, which netted the robbers over $5 million.

• Planning and Execution
  

  Burke was responsible for planning the heist and overseeing its execution. He recruited the robbers, obtained the necessary equipment, and planned the escape route. Burke also played a key role in distributing the stolen money after the heist.

• Role in the Heist
  

  Burke's specific role in the heist was to provide the getaway cars and to oversee the distribution of the stolen money. He also acted as a lookout during the robbery.

• Aftermath of the Heist
  

  The Lufthansa heist was a major success for Burke and his crew. However, the heist also led to Burke's downfall. He was eventually arrested and convicted of racketeering and murder, and he died in prison in 1996.

• Legacy of the Heist
  

  The Lufthansa heist remains one of the most famous crimes in American history. It is a reminder of the power and reach of organized crime, and it continues to fascinate people to this day.

Burke's involvement in the Lufthansa heist is a significant part of his legacy. It is a reminder of his status as a major figure in the world of organized crime, and it continues to fascinate people to this day.

Accomplice

Henry Hill was a close associate of Jimmy Burke and played a significant role in the Lufthansa heist. Hill was a small-time criminal who became involved with Burke's crew in the early 1970s. He quickly rose through the ranks of the crew, becoming one of Burke's most trusted lieutenants.

• The Lufthansa Heist
  

  Hill played a key role in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist. He was responsible for scouting the Lufthansa cargo terminal at Kennedy Airport and for providing Burke with information about the security measures at the terminal. Hill also participated in the robbery itself, driving one of the getaway cars.

• Betrayal
  

  After the Lufthansa heist, Hill became increasingly disillusioned with Burke and his crew. He began to fear for his life and for the safety of his family. In 1980, Hill decided to become an informant for the FBI. He provided the FBI with information about Burke's criminal activities, which led to Burke's arrest and conviction.

• Witness Protection
  

  After testifying against Burke, Hill entered the Witness Protection Program. He and his family were given new identities and relocated to a new location. Hill remained in the Witness Protection Program for the rest of his life, dying in 2012.

• Legacy
  

  Henry Hill's story is a fascinating one that provides a glimpse into the world of organized crime. Hill's betrayal of Burke was a major turning point in the case, and it led to the downfall of one of New York City's most powerful crime families. Hill's story has been told in several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Henry Hill was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a criminal who committed violent crimes, but he was also a family man who loved his wife and children. Hill's story is a reminder that even the most hardened criminals can have a change of heart.

FAQs on Jimmy Burke

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Jimmy Burke, his life, and his criminal career.

Question 1: Who was Jimmy Burke?

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke was an Irish-American Lucchese crime family associate known for his involvement in the Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in American history.

Question 2: What was Jimmy Burke's role in the Lufthansa heist?

Burke was a central figure in the planning and execution of the Lufthansa heist. He recruited the robbers, obtained the necessary equipment, and planned the escape route. Burke also played a key role in distributing the stolen money after the heist.

Question 3: Was Jimmy Burke ever caught and convicted?

Yes, Burke was arrested and convicted of racketeering and murder in 1982. He was sentenced to life in prison and died in prison in 1996.

Question 4: Who was Henry Hill and what was his relationship to Jimmy Burke?

Henry Hill was a close associate of Jimmy Burke and played a significant role in the Lufthansa heist. Hill was a small-time criminal who became involved with Burke's crew in the early 1970s. He quickly rose through the ranks of the crew, becoming one of Burke's most trusted lieutenants.

Question 5: What happened to Henry Hill after the Lufthansa heist?

After the Lufthansa heist, Hill became increasingly disillusioned with Burke and his crew. He began to fear for his life and for the safety of his family. In 1980, Hill decided to become an informant for the FBI. He provided the FBI with information about Burke's criminal activities, which led to Burke's arrest and conviction.

Question 6: What is Jimmy Burke's legacy?

Jimmy Burke is remembered as one of the most powerful and ruthless criminals in New York City history. He was a major figure in the Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in American history. Burke's life and career have been the subject of several books and films, including "Wiseguy" (1986) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Jimmy Burke was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a violent criminal who committed many heinous crimes, but he was also a charismatic and intelligent man who was able to rise to the top of the criminal underworld. Burke's life and career are a reminder of the dangers of a life of crime and the importance of law enforcement's efforts to combat organized crime.

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Conclusion

James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a violent criminal who committed many heinous crimes, but he was also a charismatic and intelligent man who was able to rise to the top of the criminal underworld. Burke's life and career are a reminder of the dangers of a life of crime and the importance of law enforcement's efforts to combat organized crime.

Burke's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and violence. He was a man who was driven by his ambition and his desire for power. He was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his goals, even if it meant hurting others. Burke's life ended in tragedy, and his legacy is one of violence and crime.

We can learn from Burke's story by understanding the dangers of a life of crime. We should all strive to live our lives with integrity and respect for the law. We should also support law enforcement's efforts to combat organized crime and to make our communities safer.