James Bryan Buchanan

Buchanan, James Bryan, age 54, of South Knoxville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, May 12, 2012, while surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was a 1975 graduate of Doyle High School and a 1979 graduate of the University of Tennessee. After graduating from UT, Jim began his career with Massey Electric Company as an electrician, starting in the field and working his way up to Chief Operating Officer. He loved his job and dedicated a large part of his time to his work. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he faithfully served and led numerous committees including chairman of the deacons and chairman of staff search committees. Jim had many loves: including sports, especially UT football and basketball, golfing, trout fishing, hiking, traveling across the country with his family on many vacation adventures, but his greatest love was his wife, children and family who will dearly miss him more than words can say. He gave so much of himself to his family, and we will always carry his love with us until we see him again. He was a man of great faith, integrity, wisdom and strength which carried him and his family through his battle with cancer. Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that the family has for Marilyn Berry “Gee”, Jim’s mother-in-law; George Buchanan, Jim’s father, and Danny, Jim’s brother, for their selfless and loving care of Jim; and for the thousands of prayers prayed on Jim’s behalf. We are also grateful for the heartfelt medical care he received from his medical staff including: Dr. Michelene Liebman, Susan Greene, APRN, at Thompson Oncology; Dr. Nathan Fowler and his nurse, Kerri Gardner at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Buchanan, father-in-law, Fred Berry, Jr., and his dear friend, Bobby Brannum. Survivors include wife of 32 years, Kimberlin Berry Buchanan, children, Jonathan Brooks Buchanan, Katelin Yvonne Buchanan and Lucas Bryan Buchanan; father, George L Buchanan; sister, Cindy Georges (Danny); brother, Danny Buchanan (Angela); mother-in-law, Marilyn Berry; brother-in-law, Fred Berry, III (Kelly); cousins, John (Betsy) and Mark (Jennifer) Houston and 12 nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends 5 – 8 PM Tuesday, May 15, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with a service celebrating Jim’s life to follow at 8 PM. Rev. Danny Georges, Dr. Deron Cobb and Rev. Cesar Correa will be officiating. Family and friends will meet at Mt. Olive Baptist Church 10:15 AM Wednesday and will proceed in procession to Mt. Olive Cemetery for an 11 AM interment service officiated by Rev. Danny Georges and Rev. Scott Cagle. Pallbearers will be Zachary, Bryson and Jesse Berry, David and Philip Georges, John and Mark Houston, Pat Pierce, Joe Carp and Tim Blair. Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. The family invites you to share your condolences and fond memories of Jim at his memorial website at www.berryfuneralhome.com