James Marshall Burgess, age 87 of Rutherfordton, NC, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Charles George VA Community Living Center in Asheville, NC.

A native of Rutherford County Marshall was the son of Wayne and Guynell Parker Burgess. He is also preceded in death by his beloved great niece, Mallorie McCollum. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Wilda Jo and Rupert Spencer Hodge. Nieces' Karla Hodge McCollum and Amala Hodge Sentell (Shannon). Great Nephews' Brent McCollum, Seth McCollum, Gray Sentell (Hadley), Sloan Sentell, and Talbot Sentell. Twelve cousins and numerous friends.

He was a lifelong member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Rutherfordton, NC. Marshall served as deacon and several other positions there throughout the years. He was a 1955 graduate of RS Central High School. With his love for Reading, History and Bluegrass Music Marshall never met a stranger. Marshall served in two military branches. He was in the US Navy from 1960 – 1963, stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the USS Fletcher. Also, serving in the US Army from 1964 – 1967 serving 18 months in Vietnam.

The family will receive friends from 1:00PM to 2:00PM Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 130 Pleasant Grove Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. The celebration of life will follow at 2:00PM at the church with Rev. Randy Darley officiating. Military honors will be provided by Rutherford County Honor Guard. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to may be made in Marshall's memory to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Backpack Missions. McMahan's Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.