James Buck
James Harlan Buck 84, of Frewsburg, NY, passed away on June 30, 2019, at home. He was born in his Grandfather’s home on Myrtle St. in Jamestown, NY on April 30, 1935, to the late John Henry and Marguerite Jensen Buck. He was a 1954 graduate of Jamestown High School where he was active in the music dept. and the rifle club. He then joined the US Army where he served in the 10th Mountain Division touring Europe and patrolling the Iron Curtain. He eventually joined the 10th Division Army band playing the drums. James was baptized and then confirmed in the Pilgrim Memorial Congregational church in Jamestown 1947.
James worked on the local Erie RR from 1958 1963 as a Brakeman and Conductor. He retired from the Jamestown Fire Dept. in 1987 where he was a member for 21 years. Along with his wife Barbara, they operated the ‘Ol Fogey’s antique store in Frewsburg for several years and then the Jamestown Antique Mart. He was founder and owner of Niagara Frontier Collectors, Inc. and most recently founder, owner, and president of YorkPenn Shows, Inc. Jim was a well-respected show promotor and organizer in the tri-state area. His expertise in the area of militaria will be just one of his many legacies.
Community service was an important part of Jim’s life. He was a life member for 58 years with the Frewsburg Volunteer Fire Co serving as an officer for 22 years. This also included many years of organizing the Old Home Week as well as General Chairman of the town’s Sesquicentennial in 1975. He also served as past Fire Commissioner for the Town of Carroll. He was a member of the Jamestown Morton Club, United Police and Fire Retirees Association of NY, Inc., Samuel Derby American Legion, Carroll Masonic Lodge #1147 F. & A.M., Town of Carroll Historical Society, serving as a trustee, life member of the Carroll Rod & Gun, the Lakewood Rod & Gun, Ingjald Lodge #65, I.O. Vikings, a former member of the Viking Drum & Bugle corps., a life member of S.C.O.P.E., Korean War Veterans assoc., Benefactor of NRA, NYS Rifle and Pistol Assoc. as well as Pennsylvania Gun Collectors Assoc.
Jim had a passion for life and all that it had to offer. He was a well-known historian, antiquarian and a prodigious collector of militaria. His expertise in this field was highly sought after up until his death. He has been a generous donor to local museums and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and local historical finds. He was a firm believer in preserving our local history. From a young age, he dug for local arrowheads, and interesting historical items. His love of music and talent also came naturally. Playing several instruments along with his 5 siblings and friends, this led to some interesting bands within the family home. He instilled his love of nature with his family and spent many summers camping and boating at Kinzua and the Allegheny National Forest. His creative talents have been evident in the home he designed and built over 30 years ago. The family has been able to share the last few weeks with Jim as he shared his appreciation of life and inspired all who surrounded him to embrace this life. To grieve is to have loved.
Preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 58 years Barbara Ann Lind who died in 2012, his brother Eugene and sisters Marilyn & Patricia.
He is survived by his daughters Candyce Buck Mason of Tacoma, Wa., Cecelia Buck Nosel of Frewsburg, Correne Buck of Lakewood, WA. and son Jonathan Buck of Randolph, NY. Grandchildren Roy Mason Jr., Anna Maria Mason Rouzon (Raymond) both of Federal Way, Wa., Joshua Wilcox of Halifax, VT., Travis Wilcox (Alexis) of Charlotte, NC, and Anna Evan (Jesse) of Jamestown. 6 great-grandchildren, Devean, Dezirae, Danika, Madeline, Liam, & Logan. A brother, David Buck and a sister Joanne Sweeney and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion Jacqulyn Grundstrom.
Family will receive friends on Friday, July 5 from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg, where a Masonic service will be held at 6:45 p.m. Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 6 at 11:00 am at the Buck pond and property, South Pearl St, Frewsburg, where Reverend Mel McGinnis of the Kiantone Congregational church will officiate. Interment with military honors will take place at Maple Grove cemetery. Family and friends are invited to stay for a celebration of life immediately following services at the Buck property.
Memorials can be made to the Frewsburg Vol Fire Co., The Carroll Historical Society or Chautauqua County Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to Jim’s family at petersnfh.net.