James Burbank Jr.

James Crawford Burbank Jr, 64, of Buckley, died April 12, 2025. He was born in Traverse City the son of James Crawford Sr. and Nancy Marlene (Bumgardner) Burbank.

James traveled all over in the military stationed at Lackland AFB Texas, Columbus AFB Miss, RAF Alconbury England, Reese AFB Texas, Grissom AFB Indiana, Plattsburgh AFB New York then retired back to Traverse City Mi in 1995

After retirement from the US Air Force he then went onto work at Rare Earth Hardwoods, where he enjoyed the passion of woodworking. He also worked at East Bay Auto, Go Go Squeeze, retiring in 2017.

James enjoyed golf; he made 2 hole in one’s both at the crown golf course. Sundays were always reserved for golfing with the guys which included friends and family. They competed for the 19th hole jug which was always up for grabs but most of the time it came home with him. James enjoyed making custom putters made from exotic wood for family and friends, and also put together his own custom golf clubs. James even built a putting green and driving net in his yard. James enjoyed golfing with the kids and grandkids, especially his son Eddie. They would attempt every year to golf the Briar in Mesick for Eddie's birthday April 1st; most years the weather would cooperate but there was a time or two when they would get on the 1st tee and get snowed out.

James enjoyed woodworking and building things like model airplanes that he would fly. He also built beautiful custom furniture such as a vanity for his daughter, canoe bookcases for his wife, sisters, and daughter in law, personalized cedar chests for family, or most recently building a deer blind from scratch with his son in law.

James enjoyed fishing throughout his entirety of life. Whether it was fishing tournaments with friends, or fishing with his family, kids, nieces, and nephews. His best buddy from Ohio Kevin would come up and go fishing which he enjoyed and looked forward to. Most recently he was working on rebuilding his brother’s boat. He loved the outdoors and every season. His sister and him would go on the hunt for morel mushrooms; last year they celebrated 50 years of hunting the same spot!

In his later years he moved out to the country and enjoyed the wildlife and relaxing with his wife and 2 spoiled dachshunds Cooper and Bentley. He had a sweet tooth and loved his snacks and watching his tv shows.

James was a proud Veteran but very humbled and didn’t want any special treatment. While he had a hard exterior anyone who truly got to know him knew he was nothing but a softy. He welcomed everyone into our family with open arms. His humor was such a gift and he could always make you laugh. It will be one of the many things we will miss about him but will also help get us through by remembering his quick wit and jokes.

James is survived by his loving wife Kathleen of 42 years; they were married on May 6, 1983 in Columbus, Mississippi; his son, Edward Anderson; his daughter, Melissa Burbank (Brandon Hetchler); his brother, John Burbank; his sisters, Margo Griffin and Cindy McQueer; his grandsons, Evan (Sierra), Jayce, Dominick, Ace, Dylan; granddaughters, Kiah bug (Jay) Kamille, Emmy, Skylah, Alexis, Aaliyah; his nephews, Kyle, Dustin; nieces, Kayla, Samantha along with many of Kathleen's family members in Connecticut. James was very excited for the birth of his first great grandchild Jaymz Michael.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Burbank; his dad, James Burbank Sr,; grandparents and nephew, Ryan.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to his wife Kathleen Burbank.

An informal celebration of life will be held 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Life Story Funeral Home.

A private burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.