Alfred J. “Jim” Buchanan III passed away peacefully at Capital Health Medical Center, in Trenton, N.J., on December 15, 2023.
Born in Doylestown, Pa., on June 3, 1952, Jim resided in West Amwell Township, Lambertville, N.J., before relocating to Ewing, N.J., in March of 2013. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Joyce (Stout) Buchanan Jr., his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Stout, and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred J. Buchanan Sr. He is survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Donna and John W. Zambella of West Amwell Twp.; his devoted nephew and his wife, Andrew J. and Suzanne Zambella, and their children, Jack and Allison Zambella, all of West Amwell Twp.; an aunt, Virginia Pickett, and cousins, John Pickett and Russell Pickett, all of Delaware. Jim is also survived by special friends, Denny and Kathy Cox of Columbus, N.J., as well as his church family and many friends.
Jim graduated from South Hunterdon Regional H.S., Class of 1970, where he was a member of the marching and concert bands, as well as the chorus. Upon graduation, he attended Trenton State College, Class of 1974, where he earned a degree in Music Education.
Jim was employed by the N.J. Department of Transportation, Division of Highway & Traffic Design, where he worked in the CADD (Computer Aided Drafting Design) Unit, and retired in 2018 with over 43 years of service. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his annual trips to Ocean City, Maryland and Penn National, in Gettysburg, Pa., with DOT friends, where he served as the photographer for the group for over 25 years.
A 58-year member of First Presbyterian Church in Lambertville, Jim served as a Jr. Deacon, sang in all of the choirs, and was a member of the hand bell choir. In 1977, he wrote a song, “Live A Life So Free,” for the choir, which was later published by Shawnee Press Inc.
Jim had many interests: he was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He was a longtime collector of Lionel model trains, setting up a large display every year at Christmas. He was a devoted fan of DCI (Drum Corps International) and for more than 25 years, he attended the annual DCI East Competition in Allentown, Pa., always taking family and friends along with him.
More than anything, Jim especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was always interested in hearing about their lives. His love of music was infectious and he enjoyed sharing it with whomever would listen. Jim will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his family and many friends.
A memorial service was held on December 20, 2023 followed by burial in the Holcombe-Riverview Cemetery under the direction of the Garefino Funeral Home in Lambertville, N.J.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, Music Ministry, at 31 N. Union St., Lambertville, NJ 08530.
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