Jim Bunch

News Obituary Article

Jim Bunch, bestowed kindness on many

By HOLLY CRENSHAW

Jim Bunch was surrounded by older neighbors who appreciated his thoughtful gestures.

When someone died, he rushed over with potato salad and a ham. On holidays, he put out Fourth of July flags or Easter decorations for everyone to enjoy.

And every few weeks, he'd help clean up the entrance to his northeast Atlanta subdivision. With the nearby Greek Festival scheduled this weekend, he was even more concerned about sprucing up.

"We were trying to clean the path because thousands of people walk through there," said Randy Lee Warr of Atlanta, his companion of 14 years. "He wanted to make it nice and safe and pick up all the glass.

"He was just trying to do some good and encourage other people to do the same thing."

James Alonzo Bunch Jr., 46, of Atlanta was struck and killed by a van Tuesday near the intersection of Clairmont Road and Audubon Drive, where he was mowing grass and picking up trash. The body was cremated. The memorial service is 2 p.m. today at H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill.

The Mobile native graduated from Cross Keys High School in 1978, served in the Navy and ran his own business, James Bunch Interior Finishes, for 20 years. He never advertised his wallpaper, painting and faux finishing skills because the word-of-mouth jobs never slowed down.

"He was a perfectionist, just an absolute perfectionist at what he did," Mr. Warr said.

Mr. Bunch kept a faded photo of his prized ski boat in his wallet, a reminder of happy times on Lake Allatoona with family and friends.

The doting owner of three schnauzers fostered others through the Schnauzer Love Rescue group. He'd commandeer the grill at casual backyard barbecues, then turn around and set out elegant crystal and china for the family Thanksgivings he hosted.

Next weekend he planned to march in the AIDS Walk, as he did every year.

The night before he died, he retrieved food and a blanket from his house to take back to a homeless man he'd just seen, Mr. Warr said.

"He was just a gentle, kind, loving soul," said his sister-in-law, Melissa Bunch of Tucker. "When you think about what kind of person you're supposed to be, you think of Jim."

Survivors include his mother, Margie Shippey of Atlanta; his father, James A. Bunch Sr. of Orange Beach, Ala.; a sister, Karen Guest of Charlotte; and a brother, Wright Bunch of Tucker.

© 2006 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution