James "Jim" Ervin Burch

James “Jim” Ervin Burch, age 85, of Marion, South Carolina, left this world peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1940, at McLeod Infirmary in Florence, South Carolina, son of Samuel Ervin Burch and Flora Geneva Harrelson. He was predeceased in death by his mother, father, sister, Dixie Burch Godwin; brother, Samuel Benjamin Burch; brothers-in-law, Guy Mobley Godwin, William Ariel Buddin and sister-in-law, Rebecca Gilliam Buddin.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, beloved wife and mother of his children, Glenda Buddin Burch; daughter, Renee Burch Baxley (Randy); son James Breckenridge Burch, I (Karen); ten grandchildren,  Anna Rebecca Baxley, Sarah Baxley Compton (Derrick), Margaret Baxley Willis (Waylon), Randi Leigh Davis (John), Samuel Christopher Maddox, James Harrelson Burch (Andrea), Jo Hannah Maddox, William Chase Burch, Sr. (Taylor); eleven great-grandchildren, Sarah Pearl Holloway, Anna Carol Compton, Finley Margaret Compton, John Terry Davis, III, Samuel Slade Shirley, Atley Elizabeth Burch, Samuel Brooks Maddox, Waylon Walker Willis, James Breckenridge Burch, II, Ana Caroline Burch, William Chase Burch, Jr.; sister-in-law, Marie Buddin Steele (Robbie); a dear sister by love, Ana Elizabeth Leddon and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He grew up on his family’s farm in Lake City, South Carolina, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep love for his family. After playing football and graduating from Lake City High School, he later attended Clemson College and earned his Bachelor of Science in Textile Management. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force upon graduation. He was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina and Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force and returned to his hometown of Lake City, pursuing a career in Textile Management at JP Stevens Manufacturing in Pamplico, South Carolina. Later, he accepted a job with the Hanes Corporation in Winston-Salem, North Carolina manufacturing panty hose. He then transferred to the Legg’s plant in Marion, South Carolina, where he ended his career after 25 years and retired as Plant Manager. Jim served on many boards, committees and various community organizations including the Marion Chamber of Commerce, The American Heart Association, The United Way, The Lion’s Club, Wild Life Action to name a few. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church , serving in many capacities and most enjoyed singing with the Charlie’s Angels of Uncles Charlie’s Hut. He faithfully supported his Clemson Tigers and was seldom seen without a Clemson hat upon his head. He never missed an IPTAY contribution to his beloved college since his 1963 graduation.

He was affectionally known as Bubba, JE, James Ervin, Jim, Papa, Daddy and Dad by those who loved him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. A fond memory will be his humorous comments, quick wit and infectious smile. He left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path and if you were lucky, he gave you a nickname as a token of his affection.

The Memorial Service to honor the life of James Ervin Burch will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the First United Methodist Church at 307 East Godbold Street, Marion, SC 29571. Visitation will be held in the church fellowship hall prior to the services from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Veteran Village, 1200 East National Cemetery Road, Florence, South Carolina 29506. There are no words to express how grateful and blessed our family has been with the care and comfort of the medical staff at Veteran Village.

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