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James
"Jimmie" Rodgers Buchanan, Jr.
Obituary
(Troop 21 Eagle Scout #11)
Jimmie was born on March 12, 1932 in
Americus, Georgia and died on May 24, 2021. He was the son of Elizabeth and James R. Buchanan,
Sr. Growing up, he was a member of Troop 21 in the Boy Scouts of America
and earned the honor of Eagle Scout. Jimmie was a life-time resident of
Sumter County and graduated from Americus High School. In 1953, he
graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor’s of Science in
Agriculture and was known as an outstanding golfer on the golf team.
Following graduation, he served in the Air Force for two years. He met
the love of his life, Joyce, while he was serving in the Air Force and
they later married in 1955 in Salina, Kansas. Jimmie and Joyce were
together and inseparable for 65 years. Shortly after they wed, they
moved back to Americus to begin their life together and later raised
their three beautiful children.
Mr. Buchanan began his banking career at the
former Bank of Commerce, serving as president. Jimmie also completed
banking school at LSU. He held the position of City President as the
bank became First Atlanta Bank and then Wachovia, before retiring. He
was also on the Board of Directors for Citizens Bank of Americus from
1992 - 2004, and then became the Chairman of the Board from 2004 - 2017.
When he wasn’t banking, Jimmie was working at the pecan farm on the
weekends, which was passed down to him by his father. He later became a
partner in Buchanan Farms Inc. with his son, Jim Buchanan III.
Buchanan served Sumter County well throughout
his life and was involved in numerous organizations including: the
Sumter County Hospital Board, Citizens Bank of Americus, Southland
Academy, Georgia Southwestern State University, and the Americus
Historical Society. Jimmie was also a Jaycee and served on the Board of
Stewards for the First United Methodist church. He was a 65-year member
and past president of the Americus Kiwanis Club and he also served 50
years on the Board for Magnolia Manor.
Jimmie was a loving husband, father, grandfather
and great-grandfather. He always took care of his family and did the
best he could to teach, guide and give his advice to them. He was a
strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would
give the shirt off his back for any of his friends. Jimmie enjoyed going
to the beach and celebrating the Holidays with family. Some of his
favorite adventures included fishing and hunting; and he always looked
forward to playing golf on the weekends. He was also a legend when it
came to playing corn hole, gin rummy and making chocolate-covered
pecans. Most of all, Jimmie loved people and he never met a stranger. He
will always be known for his infectious smile, his kindness, his service
to others and the community.
Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 65
years, Joyce; his sons, Jim Buchanan, III (Jean) and Jeff Buchanan
(Kathy); his daughter, Jennifer DeLong (Rich); two grandsons, Jeffrey
Buchanan and Jay Buchanan; four granddaughters, Page Lynn (Daniel),
Kaitlyn Brown (Wally), Kole Buchanan and Sydney DeLong; two
great-grandsons, Thomas Lynn and Weston Lynn; and his sister Elizabeth
“Betty” Filbey, along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned for 11:00 AM on
Friday, May 28, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Daryl Brown
officiating.
The family will receive friends on Thursday
evening, May 27, between the hours of 5:00 & 7:00 PM at Hancock Funeral
Home, 427 S. Lee St.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial
contribution to The League of the Good Samaritan, c/o Magnolia Manor,
2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709; or to First United Methodist
Church, 200 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709.
To sign our online guestbook and express your
condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com
Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored
to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mr. James "Jimmie" Rodgers
Buchanan, Jr.
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