James Melvin Buchanan, 80, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away September 18, 2011 at the family home of Kingston; he was born April 26, 1931 at Somers, Montana.
James grew up in Nine Mile, Montana; he attended and graduated from the Alberton High School of Montana in 1949.
In 1953, James entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the armed forces, James moved and lived in Orofino, Idaho; and then in 1976, he moved to the Silver Valley.
James married Roberta Ann Richardson on February 4, 1977 at Kellogg, Idaho; Roberta passed away in 2006.
James had served as a rock crusher operator/mechanic; he worked throughout the Northwest including Idaho and Washington. James had helped to build the Dworshak Dam of Idaho from start to finish.
James was a member of the International Operating Engineers Union for fifty plus years. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In later years, James was a die-hard Seattle Mariners fan; he loved to watch and talk baseball and tell hunting and fishing stories.
James is survived by three step-children Blaine and his wife Patty Richardson of Wallace, Idaho, Colleen Heinig of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Wade and his wife Paula Richardson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren Jennifer and her husband Riley Chipman of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Elizabeth Heinig of Moscow, Idaho, Morgan and her husband Josh Herriman of Collinsville, Oklahoma and Franz Heinig of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; James was preceded in death by an infant daughter, two sons, Dicky and Larry Buchanan, his parents, his wife Roberta and a son-in-law Lewis Heinig.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the Chewelah Memorial Park of Chewelah, Washington with Pastor Don White officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends at Croakers Tavern of Kingston, Idaho at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, September 23, 2011; everyone is welcome.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
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Jim my dear friend. I will miss you so very much, You made me laugh and I will never go in the woods again without thinking of all the stories especially about the town of My ASS. That sly little wink when you were flirting. I will miss checking in on you but I'm glad I don't have to take you to the hospital anymore. I know you are where you want to be now. Ann is so happy to see you. Smile down on us every once in a while. I love you and will miss you so very much. Stay a peace my friend. -- Charlotte and George Watson
