James Franklin (Lil Bug) Burch, III

Mr. James Franklin Burch, III, "Lil Bug" age 62, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at his residence.

Obituary

With heavy hearts yet deep gratitude for a life lived to the fullest, we announce the unexpected passing of our loved one James (Lil Bug) Burch III, who departed this life on April 5, 2026, at the age of 62.

James was born on August 12, 1963, in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late James Franklin Burch, Jr. and Linda Kinney Burch.  He was also preceded in death by both his paternal grandparents, James Franklin Burch, Sr. and Daisy Hines Burch as well as his maternal grandparents, James and Juliette Horton. In addition, James (Lil Bug) has joined his uncles, Milton “Tom” Burch, Thurman Kinney, and Larry Horton; aunts, Earnestine Burch Minter and Joyce Ann Johnson; cousins, Rosalind Johnson and Jackie Burch Donnell (who was more like a sister), at his heavenly home.

Lil Bug was known for his great big grin, signature gold teeth and jewelry and a spirit that could light up any room he entered. From a little boy, he was a lifelong source of joy and laughter to everyone blessed to know him. He was a proud graduate of Lee County High School Class of 1981 and went on to have a long career in truck driving spending almost the last decade working at Bennett Hauling where he was loved by his boss, front office, and fellow drivers.

At the center of his world first and foremost was his love for God and then his family. He had a deep and abiding love for his mother, Linda Burch, whom he honored and cherished throughout his life. He was a proud father to Tiara Burch Minter (Durrell), Ashley Burch, and Brandon Burch.  His greatest joy, however, came from being “G-Daddy,” to Journee “Moonk Moonk” and Ashad Lewis, Cameron and Lailah Burch, granddog, Chevy Lee Minter. His mom, children, grandchildren, and granddog were his heart and he treasured every moment spent with them.

He not only leaves them behind with precious memories but also his special nephews, Tyler Burch and TA McKendall; closest confidantes, Christopher “Bobo” McQueen and Clyde Snipes who he shared everything with. He will be missed dearly by his childhood friends, Reggie Petty, Travis Thompson, and Charles Baldwin. Also, he will be missed by his closest friends/brothers/cousins that he affectionally called the “Men of Honor”: Vernon Johnson, Mack Jackson, Bill Crawford, Duck Martin, Leverne Kinney, Jeff Petty, Tony Wayne Johnson, Tony Chalmers, Rodney Burch, and Dave Donnell; a special cousin (like a sister), Donna McLean; a special niece, Kyierra Donnell and her mom, Mimi; and a favorite neighbor/sister, Donni Gorham. Also, left to mourn his loss are his aunts, Patricia Horton Monroe and Annie Burch; uncles, Ronald and David Horton, Lynn Piggie (Sheila), and Larry Piggie, cousins, other family, and close friends.

As an only child, he truly valued friendships and family. Whether someone was young or old he had a special way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and important. His laughter was contagious, his advice was honest and his love was genuine. If you needed him, you could call and he wouldn’t hesitate to pull up. You could find him on any given Saturday riding around Lansing Street with Rat, Henry Van, Curtis Lloyd, or Ms. Myra or sitting at the Burch Center with the Men of Honor.

Bug’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every laugh, every story, and every life he touched.

The family is hosting all family and friends for a Celebration of Life Party at the M.T. Burch Center on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5 PM - 10 PM.

"Everyone is asked to wear black and gold to the funeral service because he loved the New Orleans Saints"

"We do not own copyrights to the background music."

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC