March 11, 1938 - December 10, 2022
James Kendall Buchanan, son of James Buchanan and Vera Piper was born March 11, 1938, on a farm in York County Nebraska. He graduated from York HS in 1957 and moved to Loveland in June 1957. In 1961 Jim entered the Air force in Lachlan AFB in San Antonio, TX later attending Tech School for mobile power production in Wichita Falls TX. In Dec of 1961, he was deployed to Oscan AFG South Korea until Jan 1963, returning home to work at Lowry AFB on the missile sites for 2 years. That’s where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Hellickson and they married in Jan 1964. Their first son Robert was born in August 1964. Jim was discharged May 1965 and in June went to work for Hunter Funeral home as Mortician for 20 years. Jim and Mary Ann welcomed the birth of their second son in March of 1968.
Jim was also Loveland Deputy coroner and played a major role in the Big Thompson flood in 1976. Jim was Former Member of Zion Lutheran Church, King of Glory Lutheran Church, First Christian Church and Lifebridge Christian Church. Jim was a volunteer for the Loveland Fire Department from 1972 to 1988 and was also a member of the fire advisory commission for 16 years and a member of the Fire Exhibit for 10 years. Jim was also an active member with the Elks Lodge, Moose lodge and Big Thompson Kiwanis.
Jim will be remembered for his outgoing personality, contribution to the city of Loveland, as well as his love for his family and visiting with his friends at coffee every morning. He loved being grandpa and later enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his sister, Shirley Sackett of Cedar Bluffs, NE, son Robert and wife Deb of Rapid City, SD, son Joseph from Loveland, granddaughters Ashley Meggs (Bret) of Rapid City, SD, Arianna Watters (Derek) of San Tan Valley, AZ, Danielle Giroux, (Ken), Desiree Hutchison (Brady) both of Loveland and great granddaughters, Charley, Delila, Everlee, soon to be Carter June and one great grandson Chase.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Vera, brother Donald, wife Mary Ann and brother-in-law Jerry Sackett.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
