H. James Buck

H. James "Jim" Buck, age 87, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Massachusetts, with his loving wife by his side. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on July 2, 1936, he was the son of the late Henry J. "Harry" Buck, Jr. and Viola (Silvernail) Buck.  He was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where, as a young boy, Jim found his love for ice hockey.  Jim took his hockey skills to Walpole High School, where he took the position of goalie, leading his team to eight shutouts before his graduation in 1954.  Following his graduation, Jim enrolled in the Franklin Technical School in Boston, learning the trade of an auto mechanic. 

Jim married his beloved wife, Janet E. Whitney, on September 22, 1956, at the United Church in her hometown of Needham.  The couple made their home in Walpole, Massachusetts, and Jim began his career as a mechanic with Cadillac Olds of Boston.  After his day at the dealership was over, Jim raced home to work on the car in his garage, ensuring it was built perfectly for the track.  When it was tuned and ready, he would take it to the Norwood Arena, challenging many competitors in the hobby division over the years. 

While he enjoyed working on cars, Jim never lost his passion for hockey.  He joined the ranks of the Worcester Warriors, playing semiprofessionally for a few years, earning a little extra money along the way.  In addition to playing semi-pro, Jim was regularly called upon by former teammates and friends from Walpole to play in local pickup games and leagues.  He became an avid supporter of the Walpole Youth Hockey Program, spending 20 years volunteering as a coach.

Once he had some experience working on cars, Jim left the dealership in Boston, taking a job with his brother, Stanley, at his repair shop in Medfield center.  A few years later, Jim returned to the dealership world, working at Cook Rambler in Needham for several years.  In the late 1970s, Jim embarked on a new career path, taking a position with Brodie, Inc. in Sharon, working as a forklift mechanic until his retirement in 1998.

Throughout his life, Jim loved taking road trips with his wife, Janet.  They looked forward to visiting tracks around the country for the big auto races, taking in all the festivities and culture that went with the events.  In addition to the racetracks, Jim and Janet enjoyed visiting family and friends, driving their RV wherever they went.  Following his retirement, Jim and Janet navigated their RV south, making their home at Leeland Campground in Florida every winter.

Beloved husband of Janet E. (Whitney) Buck.

Loving father of Larry J. Buck of Walpole and Jean M. Mueller and her husband, Brian, of Reynolds, Illinois.

Cherished grandfather of Kurtiss Mueller of Reynolds, Illinois and Jamie Kriegel and her husband, Jared, of Brooklyn, Iowa; and great grandfather of Grady Kriegel.

Brother of the late Stanley S.R. Buck.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Funeral Home Service will follow at 6:00 pm.  Interment will take place on Friday, October 27th, 2023, at 11:00 am at Rural Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 or by visiting https://www.oldcolonyhospice.org/