James Bernard Burford

James Bernard Burford, 97, of Olive Branch, MS, passed away April 17, 2016 in Germantown, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-five years, Kathryn Walker Burford, and his great-granddaughter, Emma Grace LaCroix. He was born in Tate County, MS, on September 9, 1918, to Bernard Kintch Burford and Lorraine West Burford. James married Kathryn Lee Walker on November 12, 1939, and they resided in Tate County until he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served in World War II as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1946. He also returned for the Korean War. After his return, James and Kathryn moved to Memphis, TN, where he was employed by Memphis Area Transit Authority for over 40 years. James loved his family and his home. Home was wherever his family was. James was a deacon at Lamar Heights Baptist Church and also at Cherry Road Baptist Church after the two merged. He was involved in various ministries and committees, including disaster relief, finance, and travel ministries. James is survived by his son, James Walker Burford and wife Theryn Terry Burford; daughter Gayle Burford Bennett and husband Robert James Bennett; and sister-in-law Marie Walker Poag; five grandchildren, Jason, Meredith, Lauren, Michelle, and Cameron; and eight great-grandchildren. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the Gardens of Germantown for their caring help and support over the last three years. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 12:30-2 p.m. at Brantley Funeral Home, Olive Branch, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at Brantley Funeral Home with burial to follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Independence, MS.