James Harold Bunch

James Harold Bunch, age 88, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at 9:18 p.m. CST. Born in Barbourville, Kentucky, James was the beloved son of Verna and Jim Bunch. His life was marked by service, dedication, and an unwavering love for family, faith, and hard work.

James proudly served in the United States Air Force before pursuing a wide-ranging career that spanned several industries. He worked in his family’s grocery store, became a quality manager at Ford, and later welcomed countless faces as a greeter at Walmart. James was always driven by a desire to contribute and stay busy—he never stopped dreaming up the next big project.

In 1958, he married Shirley Jean Bunch in Tennessee, and together they built a loving home over the course of more than six decades. James was a devoted husband, a proud father to James Harold Bunch Jr. and Michael Todd Bunch, and a cherished “Papa” to his grandchildren: James Michael Bunch, Chelsey Jo Bunch, James Harold Bunch III, Sam Mason Bunch, and Verna Louise Bunch.

A man of strong faith, James was a longtime member of Lebanon Road Church of Christ. He found great joy in storytelling, caring for his animals, and working on cars—activities that reflected his warmth, creativity, and love for life. He touched many lives with his humor, kindness, and steadfast spirit.

James is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean Bunch; his sons, James Harold Bunch Jr. and Michael Todd Bunch; and his grandchildren, James Michael, Chelsey Jo, James Harold III, Sam Mason, and Verna Louise Bunch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Verna Bunch, and his siblings Jean Depriest, Virginia Aronson, Shirley Downs, and Dennis Bunch.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.

Another gathering will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the same location. A committal service will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

James Harold Bunch leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.