James Wilbur Burch 81, Fayetteville, died Jan. 5, 2008, as a result of a fall from a ladder. He was born July 22, 1926 in Fayetteville, son of the late John Ambrose and Nell Graham Burch Sr. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Walter Graham Burch, Howard Lester Burch, and Robert Joseph Burch. He was a lifetime member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. After graduating from Fayette County High School, he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He had served as clerk of court and tax assessor in Fayette County for a number of years. He later owned a catfish hatchery in the county. Many remember his creative side, fixing things and working with wood. Many people enjoy items that he made. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fly fishing, gardening, and was an all-around problem solver and fix-it-man.

Services were at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Westmoreland officiating. Interment was at Camp Memorial Park. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Annelle Nipper Burch, Fayetteville; children, Loraine B. and Mike Henderson, Marietta, and Sam and Susan Burch, Fayetteville; grandchildren, Robert and Carly Burch, Senoia, Courtney Burch, Auburn, Al., Jim Henderson, Athens, and Anna Henderson, Statesboro; brothers, Wilson, and John Ambrose Burch Jr., both of Fayetteville; sisters, Emily B. and Tom Scovill, Clearwater, Fla., and Mary B. Harwood, Charlotte, N.C. Memorial donations may be made to the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 175 E. Lanier Ave., Fayetteville, GA 30214. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was in charge.