Jack Jones Burch, 92, of Gainesville, passed away February 12, 2012 at E.T. York Hospice Care Center. Jack was born in Jacksonville, Florida and with frequent moves as a child lived in Louisville, Kentucky, Atlanta Georgia, Tampa, Chattanooga, Tennessee and finally to Tallahassee where he graduated from high school in 1936 at the age of 16. He left home after graduation and worked for the Florida Road Department and in the Florida State Exhibit at the New York 1939 World’s Fair.
He later moved to Miami, Florida and enlisted in the Army in August 1941. He was stationed at Camp Croft in Spartanburg, South Carolina training new recruits. The Pearl Harbor attacked increased the need for soldiers and Jack remained at Camp Croft training new recruits and attained the rank of First Sergeant.
Following his discharge from the Army, Jack returned to Miami and was hired by the National Cash Register Company. He met his future wife Camilee McCormick through business associates and they married in October 1948. Assignments with NCR took the family to Hagarstown Maryland, Knoxville Tennessee and to Dayton Ohio in 1964 where he became the Sales Promotion Manager until his retirement in November 1982. Upon retiring they moved back to Florida, settling in Gainesville to be close to their daughter. Jack is preceded in death by his loving wife, Camilee Burch. He is survived by his daughter Carolyn Lewis (Ted), grandchildren Shannon Lewis, Daniel Lewis (Lauren), and Thomas Lewis.
Until retirement Jack was very involved in his Episcopal Churches. He served on the Vestry, was Church Treasurer, taught Sunday School, served two different churches as Senior Warden and sang in the choir. He loved music and relished his Big Band Music.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 NE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL with Rev. Jeremy Hole officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Foundation, American Heart Assoc., or Haven Hospice. Burial will follow at Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 352-378-2528. Please sign the guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.
