James H. "Jimmy" Bunch

James Harris “Jimmy” Bunch, 85, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Born on June 20, 1939, in Nansemond County, he was the son of the late Clyde Harris Bunch and Annie Mary Parker Bunch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Jordan.

Jimmy was a proud graduate of Whaleyville High School, Class of 1958, and went on to study mechanics at William & Mary College. His passion for working with his hands led him to a lifelong career as a mechanic, beginning at Bel-Air Chevrolet, later at a shop in Windsor, at Lipton Tea for 7 years, and lastly at Ferguson Manufacturing Company before retiring after 31 years of dedicated service with them.

A man of deep faith, Jimmy was a devoted member of Eureka Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and on various committees for many years. He will be remembered for his love for Jesus, his generous heart, and his willingness to share anything he had with those in need. Whether fishing, crabbing, gardening, or simply spending time with his family, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sarah Walker Bunch; their children, Denise Adkins (Larry), and James Bunch; his siblings, Marion Johnson, June Thorpe, and Johnny Bunch; his grandchildren, Nicholas Adkins (Marissa), Brianne Adkins (Kyle Quick), Lindsey Jones (Tyler), Ashley Bunch, and Jason Bunch; his great-granddaughter, Carter Bunch, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A service to honor Jimmy’s life will be held Sunday, March 16th, at 3:00 p.m. in Eureka Baptist Church and will be conducted by Pastors David Lawson and Burt Pearce. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family in the fellowship hall immediately following the service, or all other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jimmy’s memory be made to the Eureka Baptist Church Food Pantry, P.O. Box 68, Corapeake, NC 27926.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.