Jim Bucher

James Lee “Jim” Bucher, 85, Akron, passed at 5:24 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

Jim was born on Aug. 14, 1936, in Akron. to the late Earl D. and Ruth May (Lukens) Bucher. He was married Sept. 23, 1956, in the Disko United Methodist Church, to E. Joan Floor, who preceded him in death Oct. 1, 2017.

He attended Beaver Dam High School. In earlier years, he worked for General Tire. He then moved to California for a short time doing contracting work. When he returned to the area, he became an automotive mechanical technician. He worked for many dealers throughout the area, which included Gagnon’s, Shepherd’s, Petro’s, and Smith’s. Jim worked every day of his life.

Jim served as the manager of the Warsaw Motor Speedway until the time of its closing. Racing was a lifetime passion and he built many race cars. He won championships at Warsaw, Kokomo, and Avila driving late model stock cars. He had been a member of several local car clubs and oversaw the 4th of July and the Warsaw car shows. He also served the community as a part of the Akron 4th of July Committee for many years. He and his wife enjoyed camping at Jellystone Park for many years. He was known as a regular around Akron. He could be found most days at Jonesy’s Junction on his golf cart, solving the issues of the day.

He is survived by his daughters: Joy L. and husband Robert L. McDonough of Rock Lake; and Amy and husband Dustin Cooper of Akron; sons Jerry Bucher and fiancee Linda Carroll of Oswego; Jeff Bucher and significant other Paula Platt of Akron; and Jim Jr. and wife Mary Bucher of North Manchester; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and siblings Myra Wade, Elbie Bucher, and Tom Bucher.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, a sister Linda Utter, daughter-in-law Marilyn K. Bucher.

The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron.

The interment will take place in the Silver Creek Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana next to his wife. Visitation hours will be held from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to the Akron Chamber of Commerce to be used for the Akron 4th of July.