Obituary of James Louis Birch

FARMINGTON — James Louis Birch, 74, passed away peacefully after a long, courageous, and hard-fought battle with cancer Tuesday (January 23, 2024) at his home, with his loving family by his side. Jim was born March 28, 1949 in Waterloo, NY, the son of Paul and Emma Sorensen Birch. He was a 1967 graduate of Waterloo High School. Jim went on to receive an Associate's Degree in Business from Auburn Community College, and went to RIT for his Bachelor's Degree, though he stopped just short of receiving the degree. Jim began working in the automobile industry as a Comptroller, eventually retiring from Piehler Pontiac, Buick, GMC. He then started his own business, continuing to manage financials for multiple small businesses and personal clients, including former business partners. Jim was a member of the Rochester Automobile Dealer Association, Walk to Emmaus, and LifeResults (formerly LifeStream). He was the founder of Nehemiah's Neighbors at the Canandaigua United Methodist Church. Additionally, Jim served his communities as a member of the Farmington and Waterloo Volunteer Fire Departments. On November 28, 2023, Jim celebrated 41 years of sobriety. Throughout the years, he was a strong influential sponsor and mentor to many around the world. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Kay Birch of Farmington, NY; son Christopher (Amy) Birch of Canandaigua, NY; daughter Jennifer (Brian) Manley of LeRoy, NY; brother Robert (Dot) Birch of Charlotte, NC; sisters Mary Lawthers of Geneva, NY and Janet (Clark Beasley) Krell of Auburn, NY; sister-in-law Judy Welkley of Wolcott, NY; grandchildren Keith Lord, Skye (Tyler) Berry, Briannah Birch, Brianna Gilliatt, Kassidy (Benjamin Fingar) Birch, Hayleigh Birch, Alexandra Manley; great-grandchildren Lilliana Berry, Thea Gilliatt, and Theodore Gilliatt; special aunt June McFall Pontius of Waterloo, NY; along with many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Emma Birch; brother Charles Birch; sister Dorothy Rapoza; nephew Shawn Clark; father and mother-in law Russell and Betty Pelow; and brothers-in-law Robert Lawthers, Russell Welkley and David Pelow. Family and friends may attend calling hours from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday (January 28, 2024) at Coe-Genung Funeral Home, 46 West Main St., Waterloo, NY. The funeral service will be 1:00 PM Monday (January 29, 2024) at the funeral home. Burial will follow at North Main Street Cemetery, Newark, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pathway Home of the Finger Lakes, 1529 Mound Rd., Seneca Falls, NY 13148. The family will also be accepting private donations to be distributed to causes near and dear to Jim. The funeral service may be attended virtually by opening the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86551625676?pwd=SEZvUVA0alQ5bXhYYWsrT3A0K2NHZz09 Meeting ID: 865 5162 5676 Passcode: 345968