John Alexander Burch, Jr. was born on Monday, September 24, 1945, in St. Augustine, Florida, to John Burch, Sr. and Thelma McGlockling-Burch. He was the youngest of eight children born to this union. He lost his mother at an early age. John was educated in the St. Johns County School System. He was a strong willed and determined person who strived to be successful in all of his ventures. He worked with numerous construction companies, which allowed him to perfect his skills, and be observed by potential employers, including Clyde Powell. Powell engaged John as a skilled laborer and John eventually became Powell's right-hand man. John was given numerous opportunities to be a leader and he executed well, while also learning and perfecting additional trades, including plumbing and electrical work. His excellence in his craft earned him the name "Little Clyde Powell." He eventually became self-employed, and taught his children work ethic (yes, even his daughter) and other skills he learned. During this time, he met and married Mae Burch in March of 1989. The union lasted 36 years until the time of his death.  He loved and  shared special bonds with his children, grandchildren and stepchildren. He was hardworking and worked until his health declined. He enjoyed reminiscing about past jobs, gardening and reading about history.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in eternal rest by his sisters, Virginia Gelsey, Cindy Burke, Mary Alice Brown; brothers, Orlando Burch, Tinsley Burch, Vernon Burch; grandson, Ronald Burch, Jr.; uncles, Aaron McGlockling, Tinsley McGlocklin; aunt, Mary McGlockling.

On March 1, 2025, the legendary John Alexander Burch, Jr. entered eternal rest and became a legacy in the hearts of those he touched the most.

John's legacy will live on in the hearts of his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Rev. Mae Burch, St. Augustine; sons and daughters, John Burch, III, Arizona; Ronald (Nakita) Burch, Elkton; Orlando (Eurica) Burch, Tallahassee; Hassan Armond, Alabama; Tomas Jones, Johnnita (Jeremy) Smith, both of Palm Coast; step-children, Wanda Smalls,  Twyla (Melvin) Thomas,  Malva McClellon, all of Jacksonville; Henry (Robin) McClellon, III, Gainesville; Natalia (Robert) Gatson, Hendrella McClellon; 49 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Hall, Boca Raton; sisters-in-law, Sandra Thompson, Patricia Branch, both of St. Augustine; Marvel (Henry) Davis, Elkton; goddaughter, Diamond McClellon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many sorrowing friends.