James R. Buchanan

James Raymond Buchanan (JeRB, K8WPI), age 74, Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed Monday, January 11, 2021, after a battle with COPD.

Jim lived in Cooper Township for his entire life. He loved music and had a wicked sense of humor; conversations with JeRB were often filled with sly puns and cultural references that often included song lyrics. Jim loved designing and creating functional things of beauty – from communications systems and satellite antennas, to his beloved House in the Woods. He provided weather satellite support for two solar car teams, in SunRayce ’93 and ‘95. An avid amateur radio operator, Jim obtained his first license, (“the one and the only, K8WPI”) at the age of 13. He communicated with others around the world, first by voice, then teletype, and finally his favorite, CW (Morse Code). Known for his meticulous restoration of vintage radios and custom building of radio components, as well as mentoring and assisting other hams, in 2019 he was honored by the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club for 60 years of service to the community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pamela, his daughter and son-in-law, Laurin Buchanan and Geoffrey Boughton, as well as many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aneta and James Y. Buchanan, and his sisters, Rae Thomas and Yvonne Merrill.

Those of you who knew him should have a cookie and a cup of coffee in his honor. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Rose Arbor Hospice at www.hospiceswmi.org; American Red Cross of Kalamazoo, 5640 Venture Ct, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; or the charity of your choice.