James “Jim” Buchanan Sr., 77, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Jim was born in Elizabethton to the late Delbert Wesley and Ora Myrtle Dyson Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Ford Buchanan; a son, Tim Buchanan; his sisters, Lola Barrett, Lillian “Dot” Bullock, Lois Braswell and Myrkie Johnson; and one brother, Larry “Junebug” Buchanan.
Jim was the founder and owner of Jim’s Glass and Upholstery, which later changed the name to J&J Upholstery. He was a member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church and was an avid NASCAR fan — his favorite driver being Richard Petty. Jim, along with his wife, Elayne, actually received an award from Richard Petty for “Outstanding Fan Club Members” which was a tremendous honor for Jim.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Cynthia Elayne Buchanan, of the home; four children, Jimmy Buchanan and Tammy Norris and a special son-in-law, Gene Norris, all of Elizabethton, Patty Glover and husband Jamie, of Hampton, and Christy Morris and husband John, of Johnson City; 10 grandchildren, Kayla, Brandon, Richard, Brittany, Timmy, James, Brooke, Jeremy, Bryston and Cameron; six great-grandchildren, a special great-grandson, Issiah Norris, Taylor, Hunter, Lucas, Ariana and Kyler; one sister, Loretta Burke; and two brothers, Hubert Buchanan and Richard Burke.
A service to honor the life of James “Jim” Buchanan Sr. will be conducted at 5 p.m. Saturday, January 11, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Kenneth Davis and Pastor Dennis Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 3 until 5 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 12, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 1:15 p.m. Sunday to go in procession. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his Angels, Louise Jones and Linda Holt, and to the doctors and staff of Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations directly to the family to help with expenses. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Buchanan and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.