Obituary of James W. Buchanan

For James loved ones who are unable to attend his Service in person we will be live streaming starting at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 6^th , please click on the link.

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9675797860

James Buchanan, 80, of Maplewood, NJ, Woodstock, NY, and Bethesda, MD, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, ending a beautiful life, fully lived.

A celebration of his life will be led by Rabbi Greg Harris on Monday, February 6 at Preston Funeral Home, 153 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ. The family will receive visitors at 10:30 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am, followed by burial at the Rosedale Cemetery, 408 Orange Road, Montclair.

Jim Buchanan was the second of four sons of H. Elwood “Bucky” and Mary Buchanan of Maplewood, NJ.

Jim’s passion for music started in high school with the bass and trombone. However, Jim found true love at Montclair State College, where he met  his beloved wife of over 54 years, Carol Buchanan. Together, they raised their precious daughter, Rebekah Buchanan Harris, in Maplewood.  Mr. Buchanan joyfully taught music for 35 years in the public schools, primarily West Caldwell, NJ. In his retirement, Mr. Buchanan was Maplewood Township’s first Cultural Affairs Director and formed Maplewood Community Music. He also helped launch Maplewoodstock and Porchfest. The large meeting room in DeHart Park Community Center is named after Jim, as is the back dining room at the Parkwood Diner. His leadership has been recognized by numerous awards, including the 2005 Rotary Club of Maplewood's Affair of the Heart Citizenship Award, the 2011 Maple Leaf Civic Award, and by the Community Coalition on Race in 2017.  

Mr. Buchanan’s legacy is most truly reflected in his family, the countless lives he touched, the numerous music and arts groups he created and the community that grew out of them.  Mr. Buchanan was predeceased by his brother, Howard E. Buchanan, Jr.  He is survived by devoted daughter, Rebekah Buchanan Harris of Bethesda, Md.; and grandchildren, Benjamin Lev Harris, Maayan Shira Harris, and Shoshana Eve Harris.

He leaves his dear brothers, Bruce E. Buchanan, Sr., and Kim P. Buchanan (Jane), and many nieces, nephews, students, friends and neighbors.

Donations may be made in Mr. Buchanan’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center  and the Hilton Neighborhood Association,  PO Box 1305, Maplewood, NJ 07040.