James Edward Burch, 77, of Oakwood, Tx, passed away in the early morning hours of October 16, 2018. He was born December 29, 1940 in Shamrock, Tx to Nathaniel and Hazel Burch. James graduated from Palo Duro High school in Amarillo, TX. Afterward, James proudly served in the United States Army. After his tour in Germany, James transitioned to the US Army Reserves where he commissioned as an officer, attaining the rank of Captain. James married Judy Elizabeth Prater on December 31, 1963.  In 1974 James earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering as a proud Aggie from Texas A & M University, College Station, Tx. After graduation James and his family moved to Spring, Texas where he worked as a Mechanical Engineer, QA/QC inspector and later for the United States Post Office.

James had a great love of the outdoors and spent as much of his time outdoors as he could either hunting or fishing or just walking around looking and listening to the sights and sounds of nature.

James is preceded in death by his parents Nathaniel and Hazel Burch, and his sister Jane Burch Adams.

James is survived by his wife Judy Burch, daughters Elaine Gary and Kelly Stratton, son Rodney Burch; grandchildren – Richard Gary, Jarrod Stratton, Beca Gary, Ashley Laubscher, Brenton Hart, KatyLynn Stratton, Kiel Dudel, Taylor Stratton, Stormy Stratton, Clayton Burch and Courtney Burch; great-grandchildren – James Stratton, Harley Laubscher, Cattleya Stratton, Skylar Gary, Briley Gary and Jaynee Hart; as well as a large extended family who will all miss him greatly. Visitation for James will be from 5 to 8 pm Friday October 19, 2018 at the Klein Funeral Home, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia Tx 73754 with services being held at 2 p.m. on Saturday October 20, 2018 at the same location. In lieu of flowers we ask that any donation be made to The Home Place Hospice in Tyler Texas.