James Franklin Burch Jr., age 73 of 922 Lansing Street, Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest Saturday, June 6, 2020 at his residence.

Mr. James Franklin Burch, Jr. was born on June 30, 1946 to the union of James Franklin Burch, Sr. and Daisy Mae (Hines) Burch. Affectionately, known as “Junebug”, James transitioned from his  earthly home on June 6, 2020.

James graduated from W.B. Wicker School and was a proud member  of the Class of 1964. Although he was accepted to Shaw University, he instead joined the United States Army. After returning home from the military, he went to Leadership School in Wilson, NC and not soon after purchased his own dump truck. He formed his own business “Burch Trucking” using his own truck to haul for companies such as Lee Paving and S.T. Wooten. He was a successful entrepreneur and the visionary for the construction of the American Legion, now known as the M.T. Burch Center on Boykin Ave in Sanford, NC. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 237 serving as Commander and Acting Treasurer for 20 years and Vice Commander for 2 years. Also, he served on the Lee and Chatham County Credit Union.

He was a faithful and devoted member of New Bethel FWB Church under the leadership of Elder Timothy Jenkins and served as a Deacon until his health failed. Moreover, he served on the Trustee Board and  as Church Treasurer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Earnestine Burch Minter and Joyce Ann Burch Johnson.

James is survived by his faithful wife and the love of his life for the past 57 years, Linda Kinney Burch. The two met while playing ball on Washington Ave. at 16 years old, quickly fell in love and joined at the hip ever since. The pair held true to their vows till death do they part. He also leaves to cherish his precious memories: sons, James “Lil Bug” Burch, III and Vernon (Pandora) Johnson.

He will be dearly missed by his siblings: Milton (Annie) Burch, Larry (Patricia) Piggie and Bobby (Sheila) Piggie all of Sanford, NC. James had one sister in law Patricia (Warren) Monroe and three brothers in law, Thurman Kinney, Ronald and David Horton.

He was adored by his grandchildren, Tiara and Ashley Burch of Sanford, NC, Brandon Burch of Fayetteville, NC and Raheim Leggett of Dunn, NC; great grand-children, Ashad, Journee, Cameron and   Layla.

James had special relationships with nephews and nieces: Edward "Pee Wee" and Tyler Burch; Davett Horton of Columbia, SC and Donna (Caltor) McLean of Roxbury, MA but all his nieces and nephews meant something special to him. Furthermore, he loved his cousins, aunts and uncles from Farmville, NC.

His best friends were Everett Worthy and Ricky Boykin. He also grew fond of neighbor, Donni Gorham affectionately calling her his daughter for her selfless care in assisting Linda with home care for him in the last two years of his life as well as her young twin daughters, Rebecca and Naomi bringing a smile to his face daily.

 

Professional Services Entrusted to: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford

 

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