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973-762-2200 (The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home) | 973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)

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In Memory of

James W. Buchanan

1942 - 2023

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Monday

February

Family and Friends Gathering

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Monday, February 6, 2023

Preston Funeral Home

153 South Orange Ave

South Orange, New Jersey, United States

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Monday

February

Funeral Service

11:00 am

Monday, February 6, 2023

Preston Funeral Home

153 South Orange Ave

South Orange, New Jersey, United States

Get Directions

Monday

February

Final Resting Place

12:45 pm

Monday, February 6, 2023

Rosedale Cemetery

408 Orange Road

Montclair, New Jersey, United States

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Shefali Standaert posted a condolence

Monday, February 6, 2023

While I haven’t spoken to Mr. Buchanan since I was a young girl; I’ve always held a special place in my heart for him. He was so good to me when I was going through tough times growing up. He made me feel cared for and valued. I’ll always remember him for his loving heart and being my friend and supporter when I needed one.

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Stephen Kuperberg uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, February 5, 2023

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Jim was always a joy to hear play, to talk with, or just to be around. Our visit to Maplewood for Carol’s funeral made clear the lasting, positive effect Jim had on the community. May both their memories be for a blessing.

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Kim Stiles posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2023

I grew up knowing Mr. Buchanan. First as my parents’ friend, then as Dad’s coworker who showed up for dinner randomly, and then as my orchestra teacher. One of my favorite memories was in 6th grade when I was first auditioning for region orchestra. Mr. Buchanan called me to the music room to play what I had prepared so far. After playing a bit he showed me how to phrase the first line of the Vivaldi concerto. I was confused at first thinking but there is no crescendo marked there, but after trying it found that the music made so much more sense that way! He was the first to clue me into not just playing the notes but making it music. He told me that it didn’t matter how hard the piece was it was how you played it. I don’t remember if I made it into region that year but I remember his lesson. The world will miss you Mr. Buchanan but your music and your lessons live on.

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Ralph Acquaro posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2023

The acquisition of the cabin and property in Woodstock required a very patient and delicate touch. It finally came to fruition and was the site of many wonderful Columbus Day weekends celebrating Jim’s birthday. Michele would make Jim’s favorite lentil soup and we’d get bread from Bread Alone on Rte. 28. As we walked the property Jim would describe what improvement he was going to make next. Then the air was punctuated by rifle fire from the gun club across the street and the air was again punctuated, this time with Jim’s ‘gunfire.” The septic system would become full as city guests never understood what the sign, “country plumbing,” meant. As years passed and as children became musicians, they joined in the music-making. Our kids, Paul, Kim, and Peter were fortunate to play the year that the bass player from Peter, Paul and Mary played at the party. In 2007, Carol stopped by Kim’s engagement party in Long Branch, explaining that Jim had been admitted to Sloan-Kettering and she was heading there. A friend once told me that we have lots and lots of acquaintances in life, but only a few friends. Jim and Carol were our friends.

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Heather Raskin Brook posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Q: How did you meet James? A: I was fortunate to have Mr. Buchanan as my orchestra conductor/teacher during my three years at Grover Cleveland Middle School (formerly the junior high). He was so kind, patient and understanding, especially since my violin playing was not the best. I always looked forward to orchestra and all the concerts that he worked so tirelessly to faciliate. I last saw him during a JCHS band reunion quite a few years ago, and when he saw me walking down the hall, he immediately called out my name, remembering me after so many years. He will truly be missed.

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Amy Larkey-Emelianoff posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Though he beat the odds so many times, I am still shocked and sad to hear of Jim's passing. It's no exaggeration to say he was one of one of my favorite people on the planet. He was my Orchestra teacher and role model at Grover Cleveland Jr. Hi and James Caldwell HS from 1969 to 1972, but his influence has continued to this day. There is no question he made being a musician and teacher the most appealing path for me. When I toured with my orchestra at Newark Academy, Jim was my favorite chaperone because he was calm, philosophical, and nurturing. He always knew what to say to a busload of hyper young musicians to get them to reflect on the amazing experiences they were being treated to. When I student taught the orchestra at JCHS, he encouraged me while playing the trombone, tuba, viola, cello and bass. In retrospect I realize he influenced my interest in learning to play 11 instruments in order to teach them properly. Long after he retired, when I visited him at his home in Maplewood and we would reminisce, he remembered every kid he ever taught and every detail about their instrument, their playing, their personality, their family. It was remarkable! What I admired most about Jim, probably because I had the most to learn from this quality, is the same thing I love about my favorite pieces of music. Jim lived in a different "time zone" than most 20th and 21st century people. His time moved more slowly, carefully, lovingly, yet intensely that most of us. I hope to carry this lesson with me the rest of my days. I love you Jim. Thanks for inspiring me to be the best music teacher and human I can be.

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Nancy Lepurage posted a condolence

Sunday, February 5, 2023

My children were fortunate to have Jim as a teacher, mentor and friend. Jim and Carol soon became our friends also and we got to know Rebekah. Jim, was warm, caring and fully involved in living. Now Jim and Carol are together again. RIP sweet man.

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The family of James W. Buchanan uploaded a photo

Saturday, February 4, 2023

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The family of James W. Buchanan uploaded a photo

Saturday, February 4, 2023

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The family of James W. Buchanan uploaded a photo

Saturday, February 4, 2023