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James Michael "Mike" Furches

James Furches Obituary

FURCHES GREENSBORO - James Michael "Mike" Furches, 63, of Greensboro went to Heaven Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Moses Cone Hospital. He was born February 14, 1947 in Winston-Salem, the son of the late James Marvin and Margaret Bauguss Furches. Mike was in the last graduating class of Gray High School in 1965 and attended Catawba College on a baseball scholarship and later attended Wake Forest University. He served with the US Marine Forces Reserves. He became a sports official in the early 1980's, officiating in all sports. He attended Parks Crossroads Christian Church in Ramseur. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Will Arrington and a brother-in-law, Lonnie Oakley. Survivors include one daughter, Angie Furches Johnson of Frisco, TX; his fiancee, Lynn Denny of Greensboro and her children, Lesli Arrington and husband, Bob, Brad Denny and Leigh-Ann Denny; four Grandchildren, Taylor Welch, Aaron and Hannah Johnson, Calli Arrington; two sisters, Marlene Oakley of Clemmons and Marie Furches of Winston-Salem and one brother, Mark Furches and wife, Anna and one nephew, Eric Furches of Clemmons. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, at 11:00 a.m., at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with Reverend Randy Kelley officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Heart Association, 202 CentrePort Dr., Suite 100, Greensboro, NC 27409 or Heartstrings, P.O. Box 10825, Greensboro, NC 27404. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Sep. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Furches

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John & Merri Holmes

September 19, 2010

Dear Furches Family,
We first met Mike when he was at Marshall Baptist Church many years ago. And then in more recent years, we would see him as he officiated sports where our kids were playing. In fact, we had just seen him about 10 days ago. What a shock it was to learn of his passing!

He will be missed around here, but we are thankful he is in heaven today! May the God of Peace comfort you in the days ahead.

Love and Prayers,

September 18, 2010

To the family of Mike Furches,

I want to express my sincere sympathy to Mike's entire family. Altough I did not know Mike personally, I certainly knew his name and who he was. I was in the graduating class of 1964 of Gray High School.

Mike, may your days be peaceful.

Sandra (Clary) Becker

September 17, 2010

I, too, was a classmate of Mike's at Gray. I remember his humility, his quiet determination and his moral clarity....along with the short hair cut. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Although I have not seen him for years, the gentle smile that always greeted me in the halls of Gray remains crystal clear. May his family and friends find peace in knowing he has reached his final objective.
Merle Whitney Advance, NC

September 16, 2010

My family and I knew Mike and family when we were kids. They lived across the street from us on Art Street. We were very surprised at his passing. We will certainly keep the family in prayer. God bless! (Iris Joyce Crotts, Wayne and Ann Joyce and Levana Joyce,Winston-Salem, NC)

Daniel Luper

September 16, 2010

I have often thought of Mike and our days playing football at Gray High.
Mike was a great guy and the world has lost.
My prayers and thoughts to his family and friends.

September 16, 2010

Always liked Mike as we grew up together, haven't seen him in years since I left NC many moons ago but always remember what a good guy Mike was...my prayers to his family in this sad time..Carlton Slate, Parkland 66

Randy Storz

September 16, 2010

To the Family,

Mike was a great friend to me from my college days to recent days. He was always understanding and had a great spirit about him. He was influential in my life and I will miss him, as I know you will too. I am Praying for you during these days.

Randy Storz

Gerald Spaugh

September 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family. Mike was such a great person to know. We officiated many baseball games together and Mike was a gentleman on and off the field. Mike will be missed. He was a good example to young athletes for many years.

Steve "Coach B" Braune

September 16, 2010

Mike was as wonderful person, always striving to do what was right. He touched the lives of so many people, young and old. He will truely be missed. On behalf of all member schools of the Central Carolina Conference for Academics, Arts & Athletics, please accept our deepest condolences.

DIANNE THOMAS

September 16, 2010

REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. PRAYERS TO ALL YOUR FAMILY. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN IN THE BAND AT GRAY HIGH. MANY TIMES WE WOULD MEET ON THE STREET, IN A STORE AND LATER YOU OFFICIATED ALL STAR GAMES THAT MY SON WAS IN. I'VE MISSED SEEING YOU BUT YOU NOW LAY IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD, A MUCH BETTER PLACE TO BE. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE, DIANNE WALKER THOMAS KERNERSVILLE, N.C.

Sidney Morgan

September 15, 2010

To the family of Mike Furches, may God continue to watch over you and bless you. I want to thank you for sharing Mike to us as an official. I knew Mike and Lonnie. As an official you don't do it for fame or glory,just to get it right. Sidney Morgan.

Mark Tucker

September 15, 2010

I am truly sorry to hear about Mike. I had the pleasure of knowing Mike as he umpired several college baseball games for me. He was a passionate and caring official and even a better man. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this time.

Dale Ijames

September 15, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He called many games for me and he always gave you a good job and wanted the players to decide the game. All local baseball will greatly miss him and his years of dedication to youth sports. Our hearts are heavy and the family will be in my prayers in these days of grief and loss!

Ed Roop

September 15, 2010

Dear Furches family,
I met Mike through high school sports and I appreciated his great spirit and character. He was an outstanding person who will be missed. I will pray for you at this time of great loss.

Gail Mahaffey Hiatt

September 15, 2010

To the Furches family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
My memories of Mike are very special to me.

Friend and classmate,
Gail Mahaffey Hiatt

Ronnie Beane

September 15, 2010

sorry for your loss mike and i when to gray hi together...and play basket ball together on friday night at philo jr.hi. inthe off season

Karen Dull

September 15, 2010

Marie:
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mike was an official for volleyball and softball that I enjoyed knowing.

September 15, 2010

Marie, thinking of you during this very difficult time.

Frank and Bonnie Rogers

Terry Robertson

September 15, 2010

Mike and I played football and baseball together at Gray High School. I remember Mike to be a very nice guy, always offering encouragement and support. Mike was a "we" rather than "me" type of guy!!

Sylvia Lawson

September 15, 2010

Marie, my thoughts and prayers go out to you at the passing of your brother.

With deepest sympathy,
Sylvia Lawson

Norma Welch Bridges

September 15, 2010

My prayers are with your family at this time. Mike and I were classmates at Gray also, and I'll always remember his smile and kindness. May your memories and God's love bring great comfort and peace.
Norma Welch Bridges

Karen thore/Tolla

September 15, 2010

So sorry for your loss. Mike and I went to Gray high School. A very nice person leaving us way to soon.

Karen Knott

September 15, 2010

Marie, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

Wayne Reid

September 15, 2010

My deepest sympathy to all of Mike's family. I was in the Marines with Mike in Greensboro and saw him at several sporting events he was refereeing.

Buford and Shirley Hutchins

September 15, 2010

I, too, was a classmate of Mike's and remember him as a kind, gentle guy with a sweet smile. Buford and I send our most sincere condolences to his family. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Whitaker Jarvis

September 15, 2010

God bless you during this sad time. I'll be praying for the family. Mike and I went to Gray High together. Through the years, I was lucky enough to run into him. My memories of Mike are special! He was a very good man! I am so glad that I knew him.
Friend and classmate,
Kathy Whitaker Jarvis

Sherry Davis Huffman

September 15, 2010

My deepest sympathy to all of Mike's family. May God comfort you and give you peace. My prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
Classmate and friend,
Sherry Davis Huffman

September 15, 2010

To the family - So sorry to hear about Mike - he was truly a GOOD GUY. I'm more Marlene's age (Bobbie (Sue) Kapp) but I do remember Mike as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bobbie Sue Kapp Nifong

Cheryl Todd

September 15, 2010

Have such fond memories of Mike at Gray High School. May God wrap his arms of comfort and compassion around you in this time of sorrow.
Love,
Cheryl Gordon Todd

Craig Sizemore

September 15, 2010

I have enjoyed officiating with Mike over the past 15 years. I have never worked with anyone so patient and willing to help officials with less experience. Mike never wanted to be in the spotlight and worked tirelessly in a supporting role for many official's organizations. He will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him.

Wayne Everhart

September 15, 2010

Mike was a good friend thru High School and beyond . Please accept my deepest sympathy and my prayer that God will send you the peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time .
Classmate and Friend ,
Wayne Everhart

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