Jim Burch

During World War II, Jim proudly served his country on the USS Wyoming and USS Tuscarora. He later became a self-employed salesman who also worked in real estate management.

Through the years, Jim was a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at Statesville Road Baptist, McKee Road Baptist, and, most recently, Cornerstone Baptist. He was known for his love of family, friends, and neighbors, his sense of humor, and gardening with his red tractor. People often remarked on Jim’s cheerful and adventurous spirit; even well into his seventies and eighties, Jim could always be counted on for trying something new – from his well-known antics on the diving board, to ping pong matches with people half his age, snow and water skiing, a hot-air balloon trip, and becoming one of the few people over age 80 to go down a course at the U.S. National Whitewater Rafting Center. Jim’s generosity, gentleness, and kindness were also lifelong traits. He loved sharing the harvest of his garden with others, family gatherings, and volunteering through his church, most recently helping rebuild homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betsy R. “Becky” Stafford Burch; daughter Wanda Davis (Rodney) of Charlotte; sons Jimmy Burch (Toni) of Charlotte, Joey Burch (Ronda) of Harrisburg, Samuel Eric Burch of Pineville; ten grandchildren; and his special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynda Burch Vasquez; sister, Margaret Burch Norman; and brother, John Henry Burch.

The family will receive friends Sun., Sept. 26, 2010 from 3:00-5:00 at McEwen Funeral Home 5716 Monroe Rd. A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Mon., Sept. 27 at 11:00 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road with The Reverend Tim Jernigan, The Reverend Ray Ridgeway and The Reverend Jerry Woolery officiating. The burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region South, at 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 or the Cornerstone Baptist Church Disaster Relief Fund at 8947 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.

Mr. Burch’s family is being served by McEwen Funeral & Cremation Services, Charlotte Chapel. Please log on to www.mcewenfs.com to sign the guest registry.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Services, Charlotte, NC.