James F. "Butch" Burch

James F. “Butch” Burch, 64, of Canton died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

James was born April 17, 1956 in Potsdam, a son of the late Frank B. and Helen R. (Barr) Burch. He attended Potsdam Central School and then served honorably in the US Navy. “Butch” as he was most well-known, worked for 22 years at SUNY Canton, retiring recently. You could always find him lending a hand, he enjoyed painting at the Cascade or pitching in helping anyone who asked.

Butch enjoyed playing sports of all kinds and especially loved golf, softball and hockey. Butch was always good for a joke and a laugh, everyone who knew him will remember him with a smile.

Butch leaves behind two daughters, Jerrianne (Brandon Baxter) Burch; Bobbi Jo (Eric) Tallman; grandchildren, Alexandria Baxter and Eric and Emily Tallman; siblings, Lisa Evans and Charlie, John and Rick Grant and an aunt Judy Papaw, as well as numerous friends.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Canton College Foundation, 34 Cornell Drive, French Hall 225, Canton, NY 13617 or online at https://alumni.canton.edu/give-now.

A Celebration of Life for James will be planned for a time later in the spring. Memories and condolences are encouraged online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements for James F. “Butch” Burch are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James F. "Butch" Burch, please visit our floral store.