2025ObituariesJames Leroy Bunch, Sr.

James Leroy Bunch, Sr. 97, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025. James was a native of Manchester, Oklahoma and a graduate of Jefferson High School. He faithly and honorably served his country in the United State Navy for 20 years. He was a longtime active member of the American Legion and the Submarine Veterans of Baton Rouge. He also worked with TJ Moran Printing and on his own land, farming. He loved to fish and garden, but his passion was golf. James was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Calvin Bunch and Frances Elizabeth Shepheard Bunch; siblings, David Edward Bunch, Joshua Calvin Bunch, and Thelma Louise Bunch Miller.

He is survived by his children, Frances Louise Bunch Wells, Ella Jane Bunch Smith, and James Leroy Bunch, Jr.; grandchildren, John Wayne Higginbotham Jr., James Todd Higginbotham, Chad Jeremy Higginbotham, Karen Nicole Smith Singleton-Phillips, Eric Douglas Smith, Jason Patrick Smith, Jennifer Lynn Bunch Valle, Michelle Ann Bunch Graffeo, Rebecca Jane Bunch Ditsmore, David Ray Bunch, Celina Kay Bunch, and Abigail Leanne Taylor (Randy) Carlton; great-grandchildren, Arianna Manuel and Brees Manuel; nieces and nephews, Theresa Ann Bunch Keener, Donita Bunch Zundel, Jacque Ferror, Becky Edens, Calvin Leroy Miller, and Kenneth Wayne; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

A gathering of friend will be held Monday, June 2, at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. A funeral service and burial will take place in Ottawa, Kansas, through Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home. Please share your condolence at www.sealefuneral.com