Alvin Jay Burcham

Alvin Jay Burcham, age 79 of Hemet, California passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024. Alvin was born the only son of Dorothy Ruth Powell and James Grady Burcham on May 18, 1944, in Ozark, Arkansas. Jay lived his early life in Arkansas on his grandfather's farm, with his grandfather Grant Powell and step-grandmother Lilly Powell. He enjoyed fishing nearby on the Arkansas River with his grandpa and uncles. As a young boy, Jay liked to play cops & robbers in the outbuildings and woods. He did well in school and finished 5th grade in Arkansas before moving to Michigan. There he would continue his education and join the Army in 1961. While in the Army, he spent two years in Germany and drove a half-track truck on the Audubon. From the Army, he received a Driver’s Badge W/Bar and an Expert ranking using a Rifle M-14. On his return, he worked as a journeyman for many years. Jay married and had two children. One son, Jeffrey Scott Burcham and a daughter, Janice Burcham (Lawitzke). A second marriage occurred years later. They adopted two daughters, Emily Burcham (Metzger) and Pamela Burcham (Hensley) in 1990. Jay was the proud owner of Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens for thirteen years in Battle Creek, Michigan before divorcing and changing careers. In 1998, Jay moved to San Diego, California and married Phyllis. He became a stepfather to Julie, Jon-Paul, and Tamara McDaniel. Independently, he studied and became a certified Senior Systems Network Administrator at Labcorp. He worked there for a number of years before retiring in Hemet, California. Jay is survived by his children, Janice Burcham (Lawitzke), Jeffrey Burcham (wife Julie), Julie McDaniel, Jon-Paul McDaniel (wife Charlotte), Tamara McDaniel, Emily Burcham (Metzger) and Pamela Burcham (Hensley). Also survived by his beloved sister, Velma Burcham (Belanger) of Florida. Aunts Claudine Keller, Armita Umholtz. Uncle, Joe Powell of Ozark, Arkansas, many cousins, nieces. nephews, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Jay was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Phyllis Jackson Burcham. His sisters, Alta Wren and Carol Hodges, and his parents Dorothy and James. Jay was a very caring and generous man who loved God, his entire family and tried to live a good life. He loved Mexican food, seafood along with his snacks and sweets. Jay and Phyllis visited the casinos, beaches, enjoyed a couple cruises, numerous cross-country road trips, and recently a visit to Hawaii. Jay took pride in his kids and grandchildren. Alvin Jay will be forever loved and missed by all who knew him.