James Robert “Jim” Buss, 86, passed away at 3:50 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his family.  He had been in failing health since January, 2015.  Jim was born December 18, 1929 in Nappanee to George Sr. and Treva  (Shaum) Buss.

James Robert “Jim” Buss

Buss lived his lifetime in this area.  He was a 1948 graduate of Nappanee High School.  His first marriage was to Arlene Nelson July 10, 1949, she preceded in death July 8, 1977.  His second marriage was to Sharon (Whitacre) Heckaman November 3, 1978.

Jim was a retired farmer and carpenter.  He retired in 1990 from Ziolkowski Construction.  He was a 50 year member of the Carpenter’s Union 413 and attended Nappanee Church of the Brethren.

Jim was skilled in so many areas. He was a woodworker, leaving many heirloom items to his family that he built over the years. He enjoyed restoring tractors and a Willys Jeep and taking them to tractor shows and parades.   Traveling was also a favorite pastime.   He enjoyed trips with his siblings to Alaska and Branson to name a few.   Life on the farm, jokingly named “Grouchy Acres” , enjoying his shop, mowing,  snowmobiling, following his grandchildren in NorthWood and Goshen sports, and family dinners in the woods by his pond were a few of his favorite things.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Jerry Buss, Elkhart; daughter, Linda (Larry) Thompson, Nappanee; stepson, Jay (Ann) Heckaman, Nappanee; stepdaughters, Darcey (Charles) Mitschelen, Amy (Brian) Venghous, both of Nappanee; grandchildren, Kerrie (Tim) Peck, Tim (Carrie) Buss, Tara (Jody) Lengacher, Patrick (Jen) Thompson, Brandon Buss, Bill (Keri) Mitschelen, Andy (Kelsey) Mitschelen, Randy (Bryn) Mitschelen, Kelcy (Ryan) Eash, Kyle (Tess) Heckaman, Kaitlyn Heckaman, Kayla (Andy) Miller; 21 great grandchildren; and sister, Mary Jane (Robert) Pontius, Elkhart.  He was preceded in death by son, Todd Buss and brothers, George Jr., Carlyle, William and Robert Buss.

Family and friends may call at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee  from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2016 and for one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral on Thursday, November 3, also at the funeral home.  Rev. Byrl Shaver will officiate and burial will be in South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Goshen Hospice, Edith Martin, and the caregivers that have lovingly cared for Jim.