Jim Charles Buchanan

On November 24, 2022, our beloved father, Jim Charles Buchanan, received the answer to his prayers and has now rejoined his wife, Gwendolyn Ann (Jones) Buchanan and a special friend, Billie Taylor, who had preceded him in death. Jim was born December 14, 1927, in Mitchell County, NC. He was the third of nine children born to Arnold and Mertie Buchanan. J.C. would have been 95 years of age this year.

Jim married Gwendolyn Jones on October 2, 1948 in DeSoto County, MS. Gwen was finishing her Nurse’s training at the Kennedy V.A. Hospital in Memphis, TN when she was introduced to Jim who was on active duty with the Air Force. They had four children; Linda Laakman, Cynthia Patterson, Jim Buchanan Jr., and Thomas Buchanan who have been honored to call him Dad.

Jim served 31 years in the Armed Forces Reserves was called to active duty during WWII, Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honored to be part of the Escort Service of the WWII dead. Jim went on to become a Chief Master Loader and achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1986 after 35 years of Civil Service.

Jim was a Shriner for many years and participated in several opportunities to contribute to his community. His involvement included being on the Bowling team, assisting with circus activities, and driving children to the Shriner’s Hospital in Louisiana.

Jim was also involved in over 2000 hours of volunteer work at local hospitals, working in the gift shop. His last volunteer work was at the pharmacy on base. He enjoyed volunteering for over 20 years. Our father was a man who was easy to admire. He was a dedicated man of service and reliable volunteer whose whipsmart sense of humor was intact until his final days. PaPa B we love you and as he would say “it goes both ways”.

He is survived by his four children: Linda (John) Laakman, Cynthia (Mark) Patterson, Jim Buchanan Jr., Thomas (Janie) Buchanan, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one brother George (Pauline) Buchanan, one brother-in-law Tom Jones and many other relatives.

A visitation for Jim will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73141. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eisenhourfuneralhome.com for the Buchanan family.