James "Jimmy the Gent" Burke (1931-1996) was a notorious figure in American organized crime, known for his association with the Lucchese crime family in New York. Born into a life of hardship and abuse, Burke's early years were marked by instability and criminal behavior, setting the stage for his later involvement in the Mafia.

Burke rose to prominence in the 1950s, becoming a key player in the criminal underworld through his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to maintain a calm demeanor. His polite and courteous manner earned him the nickname "The Gentleman," though this masked his ruthless efficiency in orchestrating criminal activities.

The pinnacle of Burke's criminal career was the Lufthansa Heist in 1978, where his team stole an estimated $5 million in cash and nearly $1 million in jewelry from the Lufthansa cargo terminal at JFK Airport. The heist, one of the largest cash thefts in American history, showcased Burke's meticulous planning and insider information. However, it also led to a series of murders orchestrated by Burke to eliminate potential informants and secure his freedom.

Despite his involvement in the Lufthansa Heist, Burke managed to evade conviction for many years due to the Mafia’s code of silence and his skill at covering his tracks. His eventual downfall came in 1982 when he was convicted of fixing Boston College basketball games, leading to a prison sentence that lasted until his death from cancer in 1996.

Burke's life has been immortalized in popular culture, most notably in Martin Scorsese’s film "Goodfellas," where Robert De Niro portrayed a character based on him. His legacy is a complex mix of admiration for his cunning and strategic mind, and condemnation for his brutal and violent actions. Burke remains a symbol of the allure and danger of the criminal underworld, illustrating the fine line between genius and infamy.

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