James A. Burch, Sr., age 79 years, of Depot Street in Niles, Michigan died Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 6:00 a.m. at his home of natural causes.

Mr. Burch was born February 27, 1931 in Berrien Center, Michigan to Arthur and Zelma (Evans) Burch. He lived in this area most of his life. He was ordained by Forest Avenue Baptist Church in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was also previously employed at Conrail, Clark Equipment and General Motors in Flint, Michigan.

Mr. Burch was veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the United States Navy.

James was a member of Hope Community Church in Niles. He enjoyed singing, fishing in local lakes, but most of all Preaching.

On April 30, 1955 in Flint, he married the former Laura E. Gauld who survives. Surviving family also includes, sons, Tim (Debbie) Burch, United States Navy, Retired of Goldsboro, North Carolina and James Burch, Jr. of Niles, daughters, Mary Burch of Aurburn, New York, Melinda (Dan) Gebhardt and Carol Burch both of Niles, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister, Joy (Bruce) Rainey of Bainbridge, Tennessee.

Funeral services for James. A Burch will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2010 at Hope Community Church in Niles, with Rev. Michael Smith of the church officiating.

Interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles and will conclude with a Flag and Presentations and “Taps” by American Legion Post # 26 in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Contributions in memory of James may be made to Hope Community Church.