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James Funderburk Obituary
FUNDERBURK JAMES FUNDERBURK "Bird" On Friday, December 5, 2008, at his residence. James Lewis Funderburk devoted husband of Phyllis Funderburk; father of Ronald "Poopie" Price, and James "Man" and Robert "Punkin" Funderburk; brother of Shirley Askey, Celita Gaither, Sheila Yarbough, Lucille McDowell and Clifford McDowell. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; one aunt, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mr. Funderburk will lie in state at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 7836 Fordson Road., Alexandria, VA on Thursday, December 11, from 11 a.m. until time of funeral services at 12 noon. Interment Mt. Comfort Cemetery. Services by CHINN-BAKER.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Funderburk
Lucille, "Lipty-Lu"
February 7, 2009
James always reminded me and Vince of how he used to pull me in our little red wagon, when he went to the store, and how he used to "finger-feed" me. He told me that one day he was sitting at the table eating, and I rolled up to the table in my walker, and he finger-fed me off of his plate. He said, since day, I would never eat baby food again, and that whenever he tried to feed me baby food, I'd lock my lips closed, and would only open them when he'd finger-feed me off of his plate. He told me that he'd turn his head away and laugh at me because I was stubborn, and that I was dead-set on eating whatever he was eating. He said once he finger-fed me, my lips would be "just a popin."
I know that he's gone on to prepare a place for me.
Words cannot describe my feelings of his loss. He was more to me than words can ever express.
He was the greatest of the greatest!
Rebecca and Fred Armand
January 26, 2009
Dear Shirl and Family, please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your brother. I know that you must miss him terribly, and hope that time will help you all heal. With sympathy,
Marilyn Taylor
January 12, 2009
To Shirl and the entire family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences at this difficult time.
Marilyn Taylor
Peggy Hill
January 10, 2009
Shirl, Dennis and the Funderburk family. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Remember those we love remain part of us. Our loved ones leave the world but never our hearts. We pray that the Lord minister peace and comfort to you at this difficult time. Chester and Peggy (DOJ retired)
Bertha Miller-Knotts
January 9, 2009
Celita, sorry about your lost.....Funderburk are on my fathers side of the family
Keshaun Clark
January 8, 2009
My heart goes out to you at the loss of your brother. I just lost my mother this summer and I know there are no words that can possibly comfort you, or lessen your sorrow. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Keshaun Clark
Constance Walton
January 7, 2009
With my deepest sympathy.
lashawn briggs
January 7, 2009
Although Jim is not here in body he has deposited so much into us all that his spirit will always remain a part of us. He's given us a part of himself to carry on the ministry of God's love. Family continue to be encourage and know that he who began a good work in us will continue until the day of time. Love ya all with all my heart for you are my family.
The Briggs Family
Jennifer and Scott
January 6, 2009
Shirl,
Although we didn't get to meet your brother, we know he must have been an awesome person because of his relationship to you.
Scott and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are definitely in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
January 6, 2009
Shirl (and family)
I am so sorry you lost your brother; I know how special he was to you. You know I am here for you during your bereavement; I will always be here for you know matter what.
I love you,
Your best friend and sister
Doris, USDOC (Ret)
Bea Sanders
January 6, 2009
Shirl, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your brother. Know that my deepest prayers and wishes are always with you and your family.
Dianne & Cleveland Tyler
December 30, 2008
Phyllis, God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Loren, Headquarters, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
December 29, 2008
We, at USDOC HQ, send our sincere condolences to Shirl, and the Funderburk family.
Lamont Sanders
December 27, 2008
Bird was a wonderful man. He was a father figure to all the young men in the Gum Springs area. He was one of the first person I met when I came to the gym. He became a role modal to me. He put me on the football field and brought my full potential out of me. I can honestly say I will truly miss this legend. I can say that I knew a man that was a legend. When people say who I can say his name was BIRD!! My prayers will be with his family. Bird will be looking down on us. I will keep his legacy going by always coaching football and basketball down Gum Springs.
Mark Gaither
December 26, 2008
Funderburk Family,
I cannot put into words what has been lost. No man could ever do that. I can attempt to make my life an example of what I have gained. Not only was Uncle James a mentor, friend, and second father to me, but his family was also. What better reflection of man's character is there than the trail of works and deeds he leaves behind. Each stage of my life y'all have been there for me and because of this fact I am attempting to do the same for others. This is how I believe we all can remember and honor Uncle James.
A man is a man based on his actions,
How do you stand up when life becomes taxing?,
How do you love your family and protect your friends?,
Do you treat people as a means to an end?,
I hope not because these aren't simply words,
Be a man and follow the example of "Bird".
Author
Not Fundaspear... Just a branch off of his tree!!!!!
Tim & Chelly Ford
December 25, 2008
As we come to the close of 2008, we look back and thank God for the time we shared with your family. We will miss laughing, crying and dancing with Bro. James but know that he hasn't stopped. May God continually bless and keep you.
Tomeka Bynum
December 24, 2008
Blessings to the family from the Bynums Family. A Friend of Celeeda im sorry about your lost. We know he is in a better place looking down on all of your family.God Bless you all
Gale Smith
December 24, 2008
As the other sister, James will truley be missed. No matter what, he will always be with us. He is in a better place just waiting on us to arrive. James and Phyllis has unconditional love.
TINA DANIELS
December 23, 2008
To the family, "Bird" as we calld him will be missed very much! All those things said from my generation and generations after me are very true. I will never forget when we would get off the school bus and he would be out there waiting on us to crack on us about what ever would come to his mind(he always had good things to say about me i was the good one in the bunch.SMILE) and I would think to myself "he must don' have nothing better to do than pick on us" but that was his way of reaching out to us when others could not. My prayers and thought go out to you. TINA AND ERIC DANIELS
Celita Gaither
December 23, 2008
The Funderburk Family and all of James' sisters' and brother. Appreciate all of the nice and caring words everyone entered into this guess book.
Bridget Mallet
December 23, 2008
To Aunt Phyllis and Celeeda, May you hearts be filled with only the good memories of Uncle James in his absence this holiday season and those to come and May GOD bless you both and your families.
Pam Wright
December 23, 2008
As a friend of Celita, i am sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Samantha Whittington-Alston
December 23, 2008
I'm sorry I couldn't be at the services. You will continually be in my prayers. I love you all.
Fred & Edna Chavis
December 22, 2008
As we honor and remember James,
we pray that memories and love will cradle our hearts in sympathy and love. We know these days can be harder than most. We hope that there will be a touch of confort in knowing that others remember and do care in the days and months ahead. We know that our loved one
is warmly remembered and our sorrow is held in the hearts and thoughts of those who care. We do believe that James is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
Your cousins,
Cindy Hawkins
December 22, 2008
We needed so much more time to express the love we feel for our brother and friend. So glad to have had my first Freedom Church dance with him over 20 years ago! Love Always, Cindy
Alvina Smith
December 22, 2008
Praise God from who ALL BLESSINGS flow. It is a honor to join in the home going CELEBRATION of my dear brother James Funderburk. God is eternal as it is now with you, see you soon! My condolences to the family.
Kathy Rose-McDougald
December 22, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
Martha Coleman
December 22, 2008
"No person is ever truly alone. Those who live no more, Whom we loved, Echo still within our thoughts, Our words, our hearts." - Richard Fife
Peace, prayers and blessings for your family,
Celeste L. Nelson
December 22, 2008
To the funderburk family i am there more than you think i am and i am praying for you guys i love u all. Celeste l. nelosn
Kelly & Rhonda Graves
December 22, 2008
Phyllis and son's thanks for letting us be a part of your
Husband and Fathers life, love always Kelly & Rhonda Graves
Tyrone Hamilton
December 21, 2008
He was like a dad to me I love him so he was a men of God
Debra & Jimmy Gray
December 20, 2008
In the absence of your husband, father, grandfather and brother, may you find peace in knowing that he no longer suffers, the struggle is over and he is rejoycing with the Lord.
God Bless you all.
Tyrone Hamilton
December 20, 2008
I was like a dad to me I will Love him and miss him He was a men of God
Larry & Jane Williams
December 20, 2008
Bless you and your family
Ashia, Indya & Jerome McDonald
December 19, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Scoot & Family
December 17, 2008
Uncle James you will be greatly missed. Heaven has received another great warrior. Thank you for the wonderful memories. I know Nanna is waiting to welcome you home. This is one of those times when it's hard to say "good bye" so, I'll just say, farewell until we meet again coach. :(
Brick by Brick Men ministory
December 16, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mike Linthicum
December 16, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Cynthia Johnson
December 15, 2008
To Phyllis, children and Pastor Sheila,
My families' prayers are with your family during your time of loss. I pray God's continued comfort and peace for your family.
Tranita Randolph
December 14, 2008
Most Precious and Loving Father; at every turn as this family is struck down by grief and loss, I am asking you for your love because I know it will ease their hurt and pain. Please open this family's heart to where You live so that their present grief can be replaced with joy. This and all blessings we ask in the Matchless Name of Jesus. Amen.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to Phyllis, Poopie, Man, and Pumpkin as you continue through this temporary journey. May you find comfort daily.
Corliss Randolph-Hogan, Tranita Randolph and Raeshawn Randolph
Alma (Martin) Gill
December 11, 2008
You're in my thoughts and prayers. Bird did so much for me as a young person growning up in Gum Springs. I'm appreciative of all the time he and Phyllis spent with me and the others. It was a special time that molded me into the woman I have become. I'll miss him. I truly thank both of you from the bottom of my heart! I didn't realize it then, but I realize it now, you both were angles! God bless you Phyllis, Poopie, Man and Pumpkin.
Sandra McNeill
December 11, 2008
We want you to know our prayers are
with you Phillis. We have come a long way
together from friends to family.
We can remember growing up with
you and James and then our kids doing the same.
James will always be in our thoughts
and your family in our prayers.
The Evans Family
Ann , Ernice , Sandra , Ernest ,
Carolyn ,Rosolyn , Clarice
and our mother Bernice
Michelle Jackson
December 11, 2008
My prayers are with your family during this time.
Michele Traynham
December 11, 2008
Ms. Phyllis & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Mr. Bird will be missed in the Gum Springs Community. I apologize for being able to attend the service but I learned of this late on the evening of 12/10/08 and was unable to arrange my work schedule. God Bless
John & Mavis Traynham
December 11, 2008
The Funderburk Family,
We were truly sadden to hear about your lost. James (Bird) was the one who kept things going in the Gum Springs Community Center so that our kids could have a safe place to play. For that we will always be greatful. Our apologies for not being able to attend the service we have recently moved from the area and just learned of this loss to the Gum Springs Community very late on the eveing of 12/09/08.
Barbara "B.B."&Donovan Pearson
December 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dondra
December 11, 2008
Phyliss and Family,
Funderburk has been a blessing and touched so many lives including my own. He will be missed a lot; but we all have so many wonderful memories about him that will keep us all laughing, and that's how he would want it to be, because he was filled with so much joy and laughter. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Mattie Palmore
December 11, 2008
To Phyllis, the children, sisters, brothers, and the rest of the family. On behalf of my family we would like to express our sincere sympathy, Bird will truly be missed and I just want to thank God for knowing him. My children D.R. Gavin and Ayannah remembered when we first moved to Gum Springs how he took them under his wings and mentored to them and tried when he could stir them in the right direction. They had a lot of respect for Bird and for that I am grateful because he instilled some values in them that they will never forget.
Continue to Trust in God and he will see you through
Be Blessed The Palmores, Mattie, D.R. Gavin and Ayannah
Paula Harp
December 10, 2008
To Phyllis and family! I pray that the peace of God will consume each of you and knowing that His Holy Spirit is comforting each. I know there will be sad moments but I also know there will be times of rejoicing because for my brother joy and love that he extended to others.
I am just sorry that on Abundant Life Day of this year while I was at Freedom I did not get to speak to Bro Funderburk because it was offering time and I had to leave by 12:30pm.
Joys are flowing like a river!!
Love Paula McCray Harp & Gina
Randolph Elliott
December 10, 2008
Miss Phyllis, my brothers -"Poopie", "Dissy", and "Punkin"-
My heart is with you all and the rest of your family at this time as I grieve with you. "Big Jim" as he was known to me, will always be in my memory. He showed me the utmost love every time he saw me; especially when he would commandeer my hats. Lol!! When I meet him again in the New Jerusalem, I will be sure to have those boots that he so often requested.
May the blessings of God and the eternal love of His Son, Jesus Christ be upon you all at this moment.
God's peace--Randolph Elliott, Jr.
Dennis U Askey
December 10, 2008
James,
What I miss most about you are your strength, compassion and quick wit. You became transformed into a great Christian man. I thank God for your presence.
Sister Shirley Askey
December 10, 2008
Phyllis, Poopie, Man, Pumpkin, and grands: With each memory, let our hearts be reminded that nothing can ever take away the beauty and joy that we have known through James, for his love remains a part of us.
James, our loved one, has left behind a thousand memories that will forever live in our hearts--so very many wonderful thoughts, so many joyous memories.
In ways big and small, James changed our world. He left it a better place, and he touched too many hearts to ever be forgotten.
He was an awesome person, and awesome father, and an awesome brother.
What God takes, He fills. What He fills, He uses.
Litha
December 9, 2008
To My Sister-In-Law, (Phyllis) and my three nephews, (Poopie, Mann, and Punkin), brother (Clifford), sisters (Shirley, Sheila & Lucille). I love you all and we will never get over the passing of our loved one (James). But just remember that By the Grace of God, we will get through this. We now must lean on God as we should have been doing. And also, lean on each other for strength and support. Our Big Brother and Phyllis (Husband) and father is now with our Mother (Nana), they are now rejoicing and dancing around heaven. We will see them again. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Celita Gaither
December 9, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Ruth Burch
December 9, 2008
Shirl and the Funderburk family, with sincere sympathy and prayers that God will give you His help, His strength and His hope during this difficult.
Ruth & Curtis
Larry Daniels
December 9, 2008
The Funderburk family has our condolences.
Dorothy Daniels
December 9, 2008
My prayers and condolences are with you in this time of need. May God bring you comfort to know that James is at peace in his new Home in Heaven.
Jackie Davenport
December 9, 2008
Phyllis and Family, May the joy of the Lord be your strength at this time, knowing that James had a joy that was never hidden and always contributed it to knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Viola Belk & all her children
December 9, 2008
To Phyllis & Family: Funderburk was a pillar in the Gumsprings Community and we will always remember him with gratitude in our hearts. May God bless you and keep you.
Lydia Gray
December 9, 2008
To The Funderburk Family
You and your family are in my prayers, especially during your time of loss.
God Bless.
Althea Pierce and Family
December 9, 2008
Phyllis,
You and the family are in our prayers. I know God will give you the strength to carry on the work He has started in you.
Etelle Booker
December 9, 2008
Phyllis, James, Rob I am so sorry to hear about your lost but you know he has a new body and he is dancing all over heaven with that shuffle dance he use to do as Freedom. He will surely be missed but he now has he crown, his jewels and his mansion up in heaven waiting for all of us to visit him.
Love always
Etelle Carson-Booker
James Minor
December 9, 2008
To Phyllis and the rest of the family, I was sadden to hear of your loss. Bird was quite a character when we were growing up, he would always come up with something to make you laugh. He did me a big favor once, when I came on leave that I will always be grateful for. Stay strong.
James "Plutee" Minor.
Darnell Williams
December 9, 2008
Clfford Jr and the entire family I am sorry I can not be there with you but I am so sorry too, cause I loved T Bird as a brother, Much of what I have become is due to him, I am praying with you
Love you
Duffy Cobbs
December 9, 2008
Mr. Funderburk was an institution in this community and he will be sorely missed. A lot of us owe him a great deal of gratitude for who we are today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of need.
Valerie Dixon
December 9, 2008
They must be dancing in heaven to have received such an angel. To one we owe so much. He and Mrs. Phyllis built the foundation of our Bria's life. She still has so much of what you instilled in her today. I am so grateful that god brought him into our lives. Granddaddy Funderburk (as Bria still calls him) will be greatly missed. Peace and Love to the family until you see him again. Love Always.
Valerie, Lee & Bria Dixon
Marion Whitley
December 9, 2008
To my adopted Family
My memories of T Bird are nearly as long as yours. Already having an older brother to look after me I had another Big Brother in T Bird just in case mine was not around James Louis had my back. I knew I was safe in the Springs because he was there. My sorrow in your loss is amplified in my own loss of a dear dear friend. Thank you Clifford Shirley Celita Sheila and Lucille for sharing your Big Brother with me
Love to you all
The Arrington Family
December 9, 2008
You are in our prayers.
John Blevins
December 8, 2008
I am saddened to hear about the passing of "Bird". I had the pleasure of being on some of "Bird's" youth football teams in mid 70's and I can honestly say that I learned so much with him as my coach. He left a positive lasting impression on many of the youth in the area.
There will never be another “Bird”.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Dara Minsky
December 8, 2008
May my Jimmy RIP... No more pain and suffering. You will be held forvever in our hearts. While our hearts ache and we grieve, we will always cherish the terrific memories. What a devoted and loving man in every way. He brought so much joy to family, friends and the community.
God Bless.
Love always,
Dara
aka Pagne :-)
Tanya Alestock
December 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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