James Erwin Burtch

James Erwin Burtch, 85, of Grayling, passed away on December 5, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born to Marion and Erma (Palmer) Burtch in Bay City and grew up in Grayling. He was a "Star Basketball Player" on the high school team and was inducted into the Grayling Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1957, serving in the ROTC, and then in the US Army EOD. When discharged from the Army, Jim began his career in banking in various locations around the state, serving as President in Clare, Albion and St. Johns and retiring in 1998 from Grayling State Bank. Jim was a Rotarian for many years in St. Johns and Grayling and served as President in both cities. He met his wife, Diane, at a Rotary meeting in Grayling and they married on July 22, 2000. He loved fly fishing, turkey and deer hunting and all sports, especially MSU Basketball. Jim was in business with his wife for many years at Diane's Car Wash.

He was a member of Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church. Jim was also a member of Grayling Masonic Lodge #356 F & A.M. and AuSable Area Shriners. He served for many years as Chairman of the Crawford County Road Commission.

Survived by his wife, Diane of 19 years; sister, Marilyn Willetts of Monroe; children, Susan (Bob) Geisler of Grand Blanc and Linda (Roger) Sherman of Colorado; step children, Greg (Michelle) Tompkins of Texas, Natalie Novak of Texas and Todd (Jodie) Tompkins of Grayling; 3 grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, and 10 step great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Jim's life will be held on December 19, 2019 at 11:00 am at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.

For those that wish to remember Jim by memorial contribution, please consider the Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church Community Dinner Ministry. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements by Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.