Obituary of James H. Burks Sr.

James H. Burks, Sr., 94, of New Britain, CT, transitioned on Tuesday January 23, 2024, at the Jefferson House in Newington, Connecticut. He was born on September 29, 1929, to the late Eric & Callie Pease-Tyson, of Brantley, Alabama. He grew up under the guidance of his Grandparents James & Bama Tyson of Opp, Alabama.

As a teenager, Jim ventured north to Hartford, Connecticut, to find work at age 16 where exciting new things took place! He became employed at the Hartford Golf Club where he met his first wife, Winifred Mitchell. They married and had one daughter (Callye) living in Hartford, Connecticut. He later accepted employment at Fafnir Bearing as a Machine Operator. After he and Winnie divorced, Jim met and married Mae Francis with James Jr, and daughter Joeannah Stinson, completing the family of four. After the death of Mae Francis, Jim remained single; until he met Dorothy Yarrish and together they spent many happy years together before her death.

Fafnir jump-started a magnificent career advancing to Shop Stuart where Jim’s superior communication skills welcomed him to serve as a UAW Local 139 Union Representative! He was focused, dedicated, and a diligent representative for Fafnir UAW Union Members which changed the trajectory of his career! Soon, he became a member of the distinguished UAW Executive Union Board! After retirement, Jim focused on his first love, family Gardening! There is no question that IF it is available, Jim will order a flame grilled 20 oz Prime Rib (rare) as his Heavenly Dinner choice! 

James H. Burks, Sr., shall remain in our hearts as our devoted Father, Grandfather, Great-Grand-Father; UAW Brother and Friend to many. As an only child, he leaves behind to cherish his memory - his daughter Callye Burks Holmes (Son-in-Law John); son James Burks, Jr. (Wife Lynn); Daughter Joeannah Stinson; Grandson Daron A. Burks (Wife Deidre); Granddaughter Roberta Reedy; Grandson Michael Reedy; Grand-Uncle Clifford Tyson; Grand-Aunt Alice-Faye; Cousin Helen Daniels, Cousin Ouida Daniels, Cousin Terry Daniels; Close friends Ceasar Munoz (Wife Christine) & son Michael Munoz; a host of wonderful Grandchildren; Great Grand-children; and life-long friends Robert Black, Monique Echols, Ms. Gladys , Sharon Spurling, Ms. Janet Wowak, of Newington and UAW associates. 

Funeral services for James will be held Thursday (February 1, 2024) with a visitation from 2:00 – 3:00 PM and a  Prayer Service at 3:00PM at the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain.

*Burial will be held at a later date*