James Irvin Burkhart, 87, Marion, passed away at 2:49 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018, at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. James was born on September 24, 1930, to the late Elihu and Sallee (House) Burkhart in London, Kentucky. He married Martha (Wooten) Burkhart on January 24, 2009, and she survives.
James retired from General Motors Fisher Body after 35 ½ years of service as an inspector in 1992. He attended Christian Heritage Church in Wabash. He enjoyed traveling and tinkering on projects. He could fix anything. He loved his children with all of his heart. He was the best mentor anyone could ever have. He was a kind and great man.
He is survived by his children, Brenda (Lance) Buckley, Wabash, Steve (Judy) Burkhart, Marion, Melinda (Jim) Bradley, Marion, James E. Burkhart, Marion, Mable (Tom) Richards, Star City, Ronnie Harris, LaFontaine, Vera Tyner, LaFontaine, David (Jane) Hammons, London, Kentucky, Linda Hammons; sons-in-law, Bill Benedict and Mike Arrowood; daughter-in-law, Linda Harris; 24 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Also preceding him in death were 7 brothers; 2 sisters; daughters, Patricia Benedict and Dee Arrowood; sons, Danny Dale Burkhart and Robert Harris; wife, L. May (Stidham) Burkhart; wife, Nannie (Hammons) Burkhart; grandsons, James Stephen Burkhart and Richard Byrd, Jr..
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Pastor Tim Prater will be officiating with burial following at Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Heritage Church, 2776 River Rd., Wabash, IN 46992.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.