James R. Burch, Sr.

James “Jim” R. Burch Sr., 91, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. He was born in Spencer, WV on September 25, 1934, to the late Rev. J.W. and Thelma Burch. He was a resident of Barberton for 71 years. Jim retired from PPG Industries as a boiler operator with 30 years of service. He was a member of Lake Dorothy Park in Norton. Jim was also a United States Army Veteran.

Jim was an avid music lover and played multiple stringed instruments. He enjoyed owning and riding horses, hunting and fishing, loved riding motorcycles, and traveling.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, who raised him, Maxine Burch; son, James Robert Burch Jr.; brothers, Jackie Burch and Chuck Burch; granddaughter, Shawna Flesher; grandson, Ronald Burch Jr.; and mother-in-law, Laura Hickman.

Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra; daughters, Rebecca Burch and Mellissa (John) Chaney; sons, Ronald L. (Maggie) Burch, Tim (Melissa) Burch, and Chris Pachis; 12 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; brothers, Jennings Burch and David Burch; sister, Rebecca (Andy) McLure; along with numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, friends, and special four-legged friend, “Lilly”.

Funeral service will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203 with Pastors Tim Burch and David Burch officiating. Burial will follow at Newmans Creek Cemetery. Jim’s family will receive friends on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 5 – 7 p.m. and also 1 hour prior to the funeral on Monday.

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