James Burks Jr. was born on November 18, 1941 in Lewisville, Arkansas.  He departed this life on Thursday, May 28, 2020 in Cleveland Clinic.

James graduated from Foster High School in 1961, in Lewisville, Arkansas. After which, he moved to Van Wert, Ohio, then to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He then joined the US Army, where he served three (3) years. He obtained his Associates Degree, in Accounting from IV Tech. While in Indiana, he started working for International Harvester, until closing, thenwas relocated to Springfield, Ohio, where he resided. He retired from International Harvester, after thirty-five (35) years in 2003.

In 1993, he married Pearl Burks and began pastoring True Vine Assembly in 1995. Pastor James had a great love for ministry, God's people and seeing lives changed by the power of God. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and was a great example to all whom became acquainted with him. He enjoyed reading and listening to the word of God, traveling for ministry and quoting God's word. He was patient and kind and always willing to teach.

Pastor James Burks Jr was preceded in death by his parents; Jim and Mariah Burks, three brothers; Willie Burks, Johnny Burks, & Charles Burks & one sister; Bernice Sawyer.

He leaves to cherish his loving wife of twenty-seven (27) years, W. Pearl Burks (Springfield, Ohio); daughters, Anita Hookfin (Cornelius) (Springfield, Ohio), Debra (Florida), Vanessa (Denver, Colorado), Renee (Denver, Colorado), Andrea (Springfield, Ohio), Niderrah (North Lewisburg, Ohio) and Chazatie (Columbus, Ohio); sons, Mark (Donna) (Atlanta, Georgia), Johnny (Atlanta, Georgia), Darryl (Denver, Colorado), Eddie Jr. (Denver, Colorado), Andre (Cincinnati, Ohio), Gerald (Springfield, Ohio) and Chaza (Middletown, Ohio); four sisters, Augustine Martin-(Detroit, Michigan), Willie Mae Pree (Lewisville, Arkansas), Hazel McCullough (Detroit, Michigan),Dollie Mae Williams (Detroit, Michigan); five brothers, J.T. Burks (Ft. Wayne, Indiana), Melvin Burks (Rita) (Ypsilanti, Michigan), Clarance Burks (Texarkana, Texas), Richard Burks (Freddy) (Prescott, Arkansas), Henry B. Burks (St. Louis, Missouri), a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and devoted friends. He will be missed tremendously!

Visitation is Saturday, June 6, 2020 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in New Life Church, 1100 Sunset Avenue.  Burial will follow in Ferncliff Cemetery.