Obituary of James W. Buchanan, Jr.
WILLIMANTIC – James W. Buchanan, Jr., 91, loving husband of 65 years to Marilyn (Bessey) Buchanan, passed away May 15, 2016, at his home surrounded by family. He was born February 6, 1925, in Lynn, MA, the son of James W. Sr., and Mary J. (Mudge) Buchanan of Swampscott, MA.
Jim was a World War II veteran serving in the submarine service 1943–46. After the war, he attended and graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in forestry. He then served 30+ years as a topographic engineer in the U.S. Geological Survey. After retiring, Jim spent several years serving on the Willimantic Board of Selectmen.
In addition to his wife, Marilyn, Jim is survived by two sons: Peter Buchanan and his wife, April, and Scott Buchanan and his wife, Lana; three daughters: Bess Buchanan and her husband, Stan Jazwinski, Rebecca Bucy and her husband, Brian; and Holly Varnum and her husband, Paul; 11 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Daniel A. Buchanan.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. at the Willimantic Community Church. There will be a graveside service at the Riverside Cemetery in Willimantic in June. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pine Tree Hospice, Dover-Foxcroft. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Guilford. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.