James Leon Buchanan, 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on July 12, 2026. He was born on July 24, 1941, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to parents, James Malcolm Buchanan and Lassie Pheen (Bullington) Buchanan.

Jim or “Buck”, as he was lovingly known by many, graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. He worked for many years as a trucking dispatcher for McLean Trucking and Liquid Transport Corporation. His commitment to his work was evident to all who knew him, and he took pride in his role for many years.

Upon retirement, he kept busy working part-time in various roles. His favorite role was that of a bartender. He especially loved working at Sam’s. All who met him will always remember his sense of humor, card tricks, and love of jokes!

Buck loved cooking, cruising with his family, going to Panama City Beach, and attending Colts games. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was their biggest cheerleader. He was so very proud of their accomplishments. Jim was also a huge fan of classic country music. He attended concerts for many of his favorite artists and loved every minute. Above all, Buck cherished his daughters, Holly and Allyson, whose lives he illuminated with his love and support.

Buck is survived by his daughters, Holly Mencer (Scott) and Allyson Buchanan; Five grandchildren: Blake, Sydney, Sam, Seth, and Cali, as well as two great grandchildren, Sophie and Blake. He also has an older sister, Joyce Lemoins and younger brothers Ronald Buchanan (Shawn) and Donald Buchanan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother William (Bill) Buchanan.

Visitation for Buck will be from 2-4pm on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250, with a funeral service immediately following at 4pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Indy Humane using this link: https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give/gifts-in-memory-or-in-honor-of/