Obituary of James Buchanan

James Hardy (Jim) Buchanan, 72, of Roanoke, Va., passed on to his heavenly reward on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Jim was born on February 4, 1938, in Saltville, Va., a son of the late Clarence Arch Buchanan Sr. and Kate Clear Buchanan. He graduated from Rich Valley High School and attended Emory and Henry College for two years. He played football for Rich Valley and was President of his senior class. Jim was an avid sports enthusiast and participated in sports at all levels. "Uncle" Jim, as he was known to all the family, was a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and served on numerous committees at Oakland Baptist Church. He also sang bass in the church choir. Jim was very active in the community. He donated more than five gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He was active in the Jaycee's and volunteered in the church jail ministry. Jim was willing to serve or help where ever there was a need. Perhaps the greatest thing that can be said of this gentle giant was that he had a great compassionate heart toward all people. Jim was retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Archie Buchanan Jr. and Stuart Jack Buchanan. Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Frances Faye Tucker Buchanan; son, Robert Hardy Buchanan, of Los Angeles, Calif.; daughter, Patti Page Buchanan Haynes; two grandsons that he cherished, Isaac Martin and wife, Kate, of Radford, and Gabriel Lewis Haynes, of Roanoke; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, George and Ann Rosch, of Milford, Del., June Tucker, Charles and Twila Briscoe, Norm and Trudy Andersen, all of Roanoke; Uncle Ralph and Aunt Eleanor Foster, Aunt Lyde Evelyn Preston, of Roanoke, Aunt Viola Clear, of Chilhowie, and Aunt Hazel Hager (Sweetie), of Fincastle; an number of niecees, nephews, and cousins who dearly love their Uncle Jim. The family offers a special thanks to the Northside Viking Football Team for their special visit. The autographed football meant the world to Uncle Jim. Heaven has gained one of your greatest fans. Also, a special thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice and Friendship Manor. Your love and good care was amazing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakland Baptist Church, 3623 Roundhill Avenue, Roanoke Va. 24019 or to Alpha Christian Childcare Center, 504 Dexter Road, Roanoke Va. 24019 or to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. A Memorial Service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Oakland Baptist Church by Dr. Scotty Carpenter, the Rev. Kelly Dampeer, Dr. Tom Cribb, and the Rev. Charles Briscoe. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, 5160 Peters Creek Road 540-366-0707. Online condolences may be made at www.simpsonfuneral.com.