of Lakeway, TX
March 23, 1939 - October 1, 2023
James Graydon Buchanan, Jr., 84, of Batesville, Arkansas but more recently of Lakeway, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023 after years of declining health.
Jim was born on March 23, 1939 to James Graydon Buchanan, Sr. and Annabelle Koonce Buchanan in Mountain View, Missouri. Jim had two siblings: Lt. Col Sue Ann Buchanan (deceased); and Dr. Thomas Louis Buchanan (deceased).
After graduating from Wynne High School in 1957, Jim studied Business Administration at Memphis State University, now the University of Memphis. He was an active member of Kappa Alpha Order and dated his Alpha Delta Pi sweetheart Joanna Dare Roberts. In 1961, after graduation and marrying Joanna (on the same day!) Jim joined the Navy and was stationed in Newport, RI for officer training. They were then assigned to Maryland where he served as a Naval officer at the Naval Communication Station in Washington, DC.
Jim learned the corrugated packaging business at the Packaging Corporation of America in Cleveland, Ohio. After 4 years suffering through the freezing cold winters, Jim and Joanna moved back to Joanna's hometown of Memphis where Jim continued working in the paperboard business. He founded the Concord Specialty Corporation which he developed into a thriving specialty packaging corporation. Jim was proud of his company and valued all who worked for him through the years.
Jim and Joanna went on to have three children: Grace Austin Buchanan Holzman (Steven); Alice Elizabeth Buchanan Sekhar (Nik); and Sarah Anne Buchanan (deceased). Jim and Joanna are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren.
In 2001, Jim retired and spent his time traveling with Joanna, the love of his life, golfing with his buddies and fishing with his dear friend Danny Yeager.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Frank McGrew for the years of keeping dad's heart going, and more recently to Drs. Kunjan Bhat, David Kessler and Jeff Yorio for their excellent care.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30am Saturday, November 4, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Batesville.
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9 Condolence(s)
Jan Burrow Qualls
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
In my prayers
Janice Fuller
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
So sorry for your loss Jim was always friendly to me when he was in for haircut very nice man prayers for the days ahead
Van thomas
Friday, November 3, 2023
So sorry for your loss
Ken Tedder
Sunday, October 29, 2023
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. I met Jim in the 1980's when working with Bassett Furniture Dumas Ar., but even though it was so long ago he is one person I never forgot. The loss of Jim is everyone's, My prayers are with all his extended family.
Marla Davis
Thursday, October 26, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Jim was not only a great person to work for, but he was also a great person to call my friend. I hope it is a comfort to hear that he definitely loved his girls, all four of you. God speed Pard!!!
DJ William d jarrett
Thursday, October 26, 2023
I am shocked of his passing I was
At concord specialty 36 years
He will be missed had lots n lots
Of working employes
I have a concord family every year
I miss Jim n Joanna he was the
Big guy loved him n RIP pard
Isabelle Tenace
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Dear Joanna, many prayers upon the passing of Jim. I really enjoyed visiting with him at the old gym and talking about the northeast. Deepest condolences.
Jan Burrow Qualls
Thursday, October 26, 2023
You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Mark Stuart
Thursday, October 26, 2023
I have nothing but the fondest memories of working for Jim for 14 years at CSC. He was always very generous and supportive to me and my family. I am praying for the comfort that can only come from our Father in heaven for the family. Regrettably, I will be unable to attend the service.