James Burch:  

CLASS OF 1963
James Burch's Classmates® Profile Photo
Jacksonville, FL
Tallahassee, FL

James's Story

Who am I? Certainly not who I was yesterday. I am a new creature. I became a believer of Jesus Christ December 2, 1956 at Arlington Road Church of Christ. However, I quickly began to hear the siren call of the world within a few years I was running full blast with the wind of this call in my ears. On December 22, 1987, I actually became a true follower of Jesus Christ when a former Muslim I had hired in a side-line business helped me get back on the path. Prior to the Spirit turning me, I actually had come to the point of contemplating putting a hunting arrow in someone for crossing me in a business deal. You see I actually entertained not just getting even, but seeing this person suffer. This lifestyle I lead hurt my family financially, but I believe my vengeful musing was just giving entrance to evil. One of my favorite books has been Audie Murphy's TO HELL AND BACK. I think the power of God's word was exemplified for me by his actions as a winner of the Medal of Honor in WWII. The bible says, "greater love has no man, than to lay down his life for his friends". I was recently excited to see this same spirit exemplified between two childhood friends in the movie and book, THE KITE RUNNER. I got my dream right after high school of an appointment to the US Naval Academy. The fly-in-the ointment is that I had to do active duty in the Navy Reserve as a means of qualifying. The navy lost all my records. Due to rebellious attitude and circumstances, in short, I blew it - another story. In the late 80's, I lost my home in Colony Cove and most everything else due to poor business decisions. Thank God, I did not lose my family. I became gainfully employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in May 1994 after some very interesting times. However, as a result of this and other turmoil, I lost my oldest son to suicide November 1, 1996 shortly after moving my family back into our own home. Unbelievable pain! God has faithfully been by my side through this and much more. ...Expand for more
I've been to three war zones in recent years with the Army and again God was right by my side. I have miraculous stories of His deliverance and faithfulness. In 1967 I went to Viet Nam as a civilian and even though I was not faithful in that day, He was. In 1995 I supported the Army's mission in Bosnia. In 2003 I deployed with the Army to Kuwait in preparation to enter Baghdad after the "shock and awe". In 2014 I deployed to Liberia in support of the Army's mission related to the Ebola crisis. Today, I am retired living near the Cherokee National Forest in Benton, Tennessee. My wife has faithfully stood by me through all my mess. My daughter is married to a fine Godly man and they have given us three grand daughters and a grand son. My son is married and currently playing Mr. Mom to two young boys. My mom died in January 2013. My dad, a survivor of a WWII kamikaze attack, died last year in February 2007. My middle son graduated from the University of Florida on May 2, 2008. He and his family live about 12 miles from me in Tennessee. My oldest sons suicide occurred on November 1, 1996 after a Halloween party he went to as Braveheart. There are many factors in this tragedy; an unfaithful girlfriend, abortion, physical injuries, possible testicular cancer, witchcraft, tattoos, military experiences, Halloween, music, games, books, etc, Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. I fell like I've been To Hell and Back myself. There were many things God has cleaned up in my life, one being a love of money, through all this. There are many more details I intend to put in a book(s). Let me leave you with one thought, it is not about religion; God really wants you to know Him, too. In His Word he tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to your life. He is alive and you can know Him personally. I'm always open for conversation and good fellowship. May God richly bless you, Jimmy (or James).
Register for Free to view all details!
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
James was invited to the
161 invitees
James was invited to the
173 invitees
James was invited to the
179 invitees
Register for Free to view all events!

Photos

James Burch's Classmates profile album
James Burch's Classmates profile album
James Burch's Classmates profile album
1963jimmynavy
Squalor-Gonaives, Haiti
Our Orphanage
Snider in clothes
Our 25th Orphan
James Burch's Classmates profile album
Rocket Damage
My 3 kids
Sword & Helmet
Israeli Wing piece
Being Silly
Baghdad on Tigris
Green Zone
Revolving Restaurant

James Burch is on Classmates.

Register for free to join them.
Oops! Please select your school.
Oops! Please select your graduation year.
First name, please!
Last name, please!
Create your password

Please enter 6-20 characters

Your password should be between 6 and 20 characters long. Only English letters, numbers, and these characters !@#$%^&* may be used in your password. Please remove any symbols or special characters.
Passwords do not match!

*Required

By clicking Submit, you agree to the Classmates TERMS OF SERVICE and PRIVACY POLICY.

Oops an error occurred.