Lawrence County Solid Waste Coordinator Dies

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

LOUISA —Lawrence County Solid Waste Coordinator Jim Burchett, 69, of Fallsburg, died Friday, June 16, at Ashland, under the care of Community Hospice, after losing his battle with Cancer.

Burchett is survived by his wife, Clydetta Burchett; his daughter, Kristie Fissler; a son, James “Doug” Burchett; a stepson, Dennis Fannin and stepdaughter, Chasity Fannin. He also had grandchildren and great grandchildren; three brothers, Ernest Burchett, Delbert Burchett and Charles Ed Burchett and three sisters Juanita Burke, Martha Hacker and Ruth Kirk as well as several nieces and nephews.

Burchett was currently employed as the Lawrence County Solid Waste Coordinator. He sold vehicles most of his life and was well known for his musical talents, especially the banjo, and he loved Bluegrass and Gospel music. He wrote an instrumental called Shackle Run and was a member of many bands throughout his life with the last being the Tommy Webb Band.

Burchett, was gentle, loving, humble, giving, faithful, truthful, respectful and positive and stood for anything good, his obituary said. He loved life, family and friends.

“When he was young, there was nothing like a night of coon hunting with a good walker dog,” the obituary said. “He loved football. Most of all he loved the Lord as he gave his life to the Lord on April 12, 2021. God was preparing him for what was to come. He attended several churches and loved them but always came back to Morgan Creek Church where he felt so at home.”

“He fought cancer with strength and courage unknown. His laughter was contagious and he could tell a good story and absolutely loved reminiscing with friends and loved ones. He never met a stranger and would start a conversation with anyone,” the obituary said. “He loved his job and coworkers and they loved him. He was a Kentucky Colonel and would give anyone his last penny. He was raised to honor your word and gave way more than he could afford to give. However, if he loaned you money he expected it back, just as he did. Giving came easy and he didn’t expect anything in return. He was a soft place to land. He will be so missed and his absence will sting the heart of many. Decisions were so hard for him because he wanted everyone to agree and absolutely no words. He took and took rude people but you knew when he had enough and he would have fought the biggest bear when provoked. Luckily that was nearly nonexistent. He is at peace and for that we are thankful. He is singing in that heavenly choir and hopefully playing that banjo. All those that knew him were truly blessed. He was an example of what we all should be.”

Funeral services are being held today, Wednesday June 21, at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home with Brother Glen Vanhoose officiating and burial will follow at the Riverview Memorial Gardens.