James G. Buscher

James G. "Slugger" Buscher, 74, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Regency. He was born April 10th in Joliet, IL the son of John Charles and Marie Rita (Pitcher) Buscher. The family moved to Springfield in 1939. Jim attended St. Joseph Elementary, Cathedral Boys' High School, and Springfield Junior College. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Disorders/Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Mental Retardation from Illinois State University. Jim then became the first Behavior Disorders teacher and supervisor at Lincoln State School, Lincoln, IL. Upon earning his Master's Degree, Jim became a Regional Special Education Supervisor for the Illinois State Board of Education. He served all special education agencies in the eight counties surrounding Cook County in Illinois. Jim was promoted to Assistant Director of Federal Special Education for Illinois. When Regional Special Education was created by the Department, Jim became the Regional Consultant for Behavior Disorders with West Central/District #186 for twenty-four years, retiring in June 1994. Jim served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959 as a Radioman in the Mediterranean Sea area. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #574 in Bloomington, IL and American Legion Post #32 in Springfield. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting plus many sporting events. His favorite teams were Sacred Heart-Griffin and Notre Dame football. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Reverend Gerald Buscher, O.S.B. and younger brother, Richard Buscher. He is survived by two sisters: Mary (Carl, deceased) Kuettel of Springfield and Rita (Doug) Weeks, of Spartanburg, SC; four brothers: Charles (Rosemary) of Springfield, John (Lucille) of Normal, Alfred "Mick" (Patricia) of Vandalia and Clifford (Karen) of Chatham; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th Street, Springfield. Additional visitation will be from 10:00 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at St. Joseph's. Per Slug's request, casual dress is highly recommended. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on (Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Holinga celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62702 or St. Joseph's Home, 3306 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.