It's hard to believe it has been six years since John's passing.  I have many fond memories working with John at The Upjohn Company.

I am late to the remembrance - so apologies to those that loved JPB.  I inherited a territory that JBP had once dominated in the Central KY market for Upjohn.  No sacrilege intended...but John Paul was a god in that market!  I will always remember a tale shared with me by a veterinarian in Lexington KY.  Howard Renneker  was a veterinarian  that shared with me the time that he and John Paul had had an after-hours meeting at Nellie Kelly's (a pub in the shopping center with Dr. Renneker's practice).  After a few adult beverages,...they ended up in the parking lot and John Paul was showing Howard his golf swing.  Every time JPB 'tee'd off' in the parking lot, the sparks were flying!  I miss his sound council and wisdom.  RIP John Paul!

So sad to here the news of John Paul's passing. He was a friend, mentor and an inspiration for so many of us at Upjohn.
Coming up with a good idea was just the beginning for J.P.  He would continuously massage, analyze and tweek those good ideas until they ultimately became great ideas!! I still remember his Lincocin SS sales story. A buy 3 get 2 free promotion that he transformed into an approach aimed at breaking the penicillin habit with small animal veterinarians. I can still remember the bewildered faces on the vets  when we asked them to buy 60 bottles and get 40 free with 60 day delayed billing.  John Paul thought that would be enough for them to break that penicillin habit. I don't remember how many thousands of bottles we sold as a result of his sales approach.  It was far more than anyone could dream of,  but no surprise to John Paul.  He left a unique footprint on the hearts and minds everyone he met.

Our Prayers and sympathy are with the Buie Family,

Hugh & Linda Mckenzie

What a great guy!  Funny and entertaining to the max.  Our golf gang loved to hear his jokes & stories.  I'm lucky to have had a friend like him and our lives will never be the same.

John Paul was one of those very rare individuals who affected people of all classes and professions positively. I consider it one my greatest blessings to have known him and his family. Heaven just got an angel who is truly a force of nature. 

Kathryn,

Norm & I  want to express our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Buie family.   I still remember the first time I met him soon after we moved to Arrowhead Valley -  I was out in the front yard & he came over and said,  " I'm John Paul Buie from Fort Smith, Arkansas."  I  made some scarcastic remark (being a proud Alabamian) to the effect, "I'm sorry" and he just laughed.   There was somethng about him, probably his height and gravely voice, that reminded me of Bear Bryant  though I don't think I ever told him that - I think he would have liked it, though.

Please stay in touch  and if you need us for ANYTHING let us know.

God Bless you.



JP was a welcome sight at meetings and his positivity, enthusiasm and caring was always on full display.  He was a special mentor to me and you could always see the wheels turning behind his thoughtful smile.  What a man and a professional. He made me proud to be with The Upjohn Company!  His heart was full and he freely shared his passion for life  with everyone.
I hope his retirement years were full of fun, family and great memories.
Fondly, Sally “The Upjohn Lady”

Dear Kathie, My heartfelt sorrow as you and many of us grieve John Paul's passing. He and I bonded and worked closely together when he came to Kzoo. I choose to remember JP for his enthusiasm, competence, commitment to excellence, compassion in all of our interactions. I am a better person for our paths crossing and travelling together for many years. I appreciated his positive responses to the "electronic cards" I sent to him during the past year or so. Hoping and prayers that you and family can grieve and heal, remembering the wonderful times you had for so many years.
Jim Lauderdale

Ann and I remained in touch with JPB after retirement and enjoyed many laughs over these
last several years.   It is true,  J. Paul was one of a kind.   I started calling him Rev. Buie and 
kept telling him we could buy some folding chairs and a tent and travel around small towns
in Florida and he could preach to the flocks of people that would come out.  I told him I would
take up the offering and split it with him.  J.P. would always say I think we could do it but there
is too many alligators down there.  
 I believe he is now in Heaven asking God questions about how he runs things up there.

R.I.P.  J.P.B. 

Coming from Canada and the Pharmaceutical side; being an outsider; I can remember meeting John Paul at my first conference.  A very fun, inspirational and dedicated employee that approached me, introduced himself.  I knew and felt this man is special.  From that moment I knew that I could always get an honest answer about what he thought about any Sales, Marketing or Business Strategy that we were implementing.  He cared so much about the success of Upjohn.
He was so dedicated and cared about everyone he met. Will always remember his smile!

God Bless your family and God Bless you, John Paul

Peter 

I was saddened to hear that John Paul had passed, and want to express my sympathy to Kathy and the entire Buie family.   John Paul was not only a friend, but a work colleague at The Upjohn Company.  John Paul was a dedicated employee, and received many honors for his work.  John Paul had many friends because he was a friend to everyone he ever met.   I am sure each of these friends has a fond memory that brings a smile to their face when they remember John Paul.

Eli

I met John Paul several times over my years at The Upjohn Company but my favorite memory was at a Upjohn Reunion a number of years ago when John Paul told his “Brooks Brother “ joke to a large group outside the banquet room.  His entire body went into character as he told this joke.  Nobody could tell jokes like John Paul.  Dave & I are so sorry for your loss.

OBITUARY

John Paul Buie

November 2, 1938 – March 3, 2019

Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors

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