He was born in Hollywood, FL on September 3, 1975, to James and Rebecca (Betzler) Burkshire. They moved to Longwood, FL in 1986 and he grew up in Seminole County. James graduated from the police academy in 1997 and became an officer with the Longwood Police Department. James then began a new career with Wildlife Solutions involving animal removal. On June 18, 2005, he married Robin Loeb, and they had two daughters Olivia and Rebecca.
James had a passion for animals as well as coaching softball. He coached the Diamond Girlz travel softball team for 6 years and the Firecrackers travel softball team for 1 year. If James was not coaching softball, he could be found offshore fishing as that was his passion. James was also heavily involved with the C.A.R.E. Foundation where he helped care for animals in need as well as volunteered with rebuilding animal enclosures as well as any other needs the facility may have had. At the same time, he was a screener for departing passengers at the Orlando Sanford Airport.
James is preceded in death by his mother Rebecca.
He is survived by his wife Robin, his daughters Olivia and Rebecca, his son Colton McCandless, his father James and step-mother Helen, and his brother Nicholas.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Oaklawn Chapel 5000 CR 46A, Sanford, Florida 32771. A celebration of life service will follow at 4:30 pm.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to -
The Reptile Discovery Center
2710 Big John Dr. Deland Fl, 32724
C.A.R.E. Foundation
4609 W. Ponkon Road. Apopka Fl.32712
Also, donations can be made directly to the family via Venmo @Robin-Burkshire