CIAA Hall of Fame Members
CIAA Official/Coordinator of Officials
Jim Burch is well-known in the CIAA for his nearly 60-year service as a basketball official and Coordinator of Basketball Officials. Burch began his career as an official in 1959, breaking down many barriers in officiating during a time of segregation and integration. Burch was a trailblazer becoming the first Black game official in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 1969. Throughout his career, Burch has officiated in the CIAA, ACC, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), and Southern Conference and has worked 14 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments. He has trained and mentored hundreds of officials over the years, many who have gone on to careers in the CIAA, ACC, Southern Conference and NCAA championships.
Burch was a two-sport athlete and a 1949 graduate of Fayetteville State University, where he would later serve on the board of trustees. He established the James T. Burch Scholarship to recognize student-athletes who exemplify the qualities of academic excellence, involvement in public service, and love of athletic competition.
Burch has been inducted into seven halls of fame, including the CIAA Officials, MEAC Officials, NCHSAA, Fayetteville State Athletic, and South Atlantic Conference. He also served as the basketball coordinator for the Southern Conference for 17 years. Burch was featured in the NCAA Champions Magazine in 1994 and 2014.
Mr. Burch retired from his position as CIAA Coordinator of Basketball Officials in June of 2018.