James Melvin Burchfield

James Melvin Burchfield, age 97, a resident of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, May 21, at the Briarcliff Health Care Center in Oak Ridge.

Mr. Burchfield was born July 15, 1915, in New Tazewell. He worked in the CCCs before entering into military service. While in the United States Army, he served his country in World War II, where he received several medals, decorations, and citations, including the WWII Victory Medal and the American Defense Service Medal.

Before his retirement, he was employed as a supervisor at Canteen Services. He was a member of the Tri-County Tabernacle in Oliver Springs, and he attended the Eagle Bend Apostolic Church in Clinton. His hobbies included wood crafting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Djlmar Juanita Burchfield; by his parents, George L. Burchfield and Effie Lee Davis Burchfield; by sisters, Maureen Mangum and Velma Burchfield; and by brothers, Everett and Clifford Burchfield.

Mr. Burchfield is survived by a daughter, Connie Sharpe and husband Harold, of Clinton; by grandchildren, Angela Monroe and husband Tracey, of Buford, Ga., Sarah Spires of Knoxville, Samuel Joseph Spires and wife Jessica, of Collierville, Tenn.; and five great-grandchildren, Madison, Bailey, and Colby Monroe, and Jackson and Campbell Spires.

He is also survived by several extended family members and special friends.

The family received friends Saturday, May 25, between 12 and 1:30 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral followed at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Triplett officiating. Burial and graveside services followed, with complete military honors, at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.