Mr. James Paul Burks

James Paul Burks, 78, was born at home in the Brachfield community on January 19, 1937. He went to celebrate Jesus' birthday with Him on Friday, December 25, 2015. His final days on earth were spent with us at the Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. James fought a brief, known battle with cancer, knowing what he faced. His childhood years were spent attending the Patrick School, helping with the dairy and country store his parents owned. When the school closed, he went on to graduate at Henderson High School, Kilgore College, and Letourneau College. He worked as a machinist at Merritt Tools in Kilgore, and in Houston. Twelve years later he moved back to the Brachfield community, where he began raising Fleckwich Simmental and Brahmon cattle on his farm. He also began remodeling homes and building barns. He was well known in the Henderson area as a song leader at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and assistant leader at Maple Grove Baptist Church in Minden, and at Enterprise Baptist Church in Gary. He faithfully attended Pine Hill Baptist Church as an active member. He was always willing to help a neighbor, friend, or stranger in need. Most of the past few years have been spent enjoying farm living. He dearly loved the Lord, studying in his Bible, never taking for granted the power of prayer. He leaves behind his devoted, loving wife Katielee Barton Burks of 27 years of marriage; and her family, Marlene Barton, Troy and wife Anna Barton, Larry and Barbara Black and family, Faye Robinson, John and Marianna Overstreet and family; beloved as family, Bobby and Christi Hays and their family, Ben and Jennifer, Travis, Addison, Abigail, Chris and wife Heather, Caleb, and Braydon. Ms. Iris Phipps, Eddie Smith and family, Johnny Kruger, Don Bassett, Barbara St. Clair, James and Brandy Best and family, James Tillison, Johnny and Kathy Tillison, Blan and Wendy Pirtle, John and Cathy Pride and family, just to mention a few. Surviving him are three daughters and their husbands, Susy and Danny Davis, Diane and Gene Osland, Audrey and Kevin Chambers, all of the Henderson area. Four grandsons and their wives, Brian Davis, Brandon and Stephanie Davis, Scotty and Randi Davis, and Logan and Ashley Davis; four granddaughters and their husbands, Laura and Neil Foster, Sydnee and Adam Mohkovitz, Jamie and Andrew Riepe, and Cassie Hogan; five great-grandchildren and five sisters and two aunts. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher Clyde and Sudie Mae Burks; his mother-in-law, Christine Barton Cook; and wife's family, Raymond and Marie Barton; one brother, and one sister. Pallbearers are Ben Hays, Chris Hays, Johnny Tillison, James Best, Eddie Smith, Blan Pirtle, and Collin Houston. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Hays, Jeremy Bozeman, Johnny Kruger, Larry Wallace, David Best, James Tillison, and Keeling family. Funeral arrangements are set with Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2015 to honor his memory with love, at Ebenezer Cemetery on Texas Hwy 557 in Pittsburg, Texas. Music will be provided by Carol and David Best, also Tipps Trio. Bro. Toby Tipps and Bro. Bill Riley will honor his service. No visitation is scheduled. Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordadcrim.com.

Mr. James Paul Burks

January 19, 1937 - December 25, 2015