Photo courtesy of Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Home - 44th Street - Pittsburgh
Apr 1, 1949 - Dec 18, 2025
My codolences to your family. I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Jim played a vital role in many of our significant life events. He was a good family friend, a candid mentor, and a trusted legal advisor. May perpetual light shine upon Jim.
Deborah Tercsak, the daughter of Stephen F. and Monna R. Tercsak
Deborah Tercsak
January 26, 2026 | Orlando, FL | Friend
You all are in my prayers during this sorrowful time. May God give you strength and comfort knowing Jim is in his care now. I will always treasure the memories of the Buches family gatherings on Reed Drive. Good times. Great memories.
With Love,
Lino
Lino Ferrari
December 23, 2025 | Clairton, PA | Family
I was so sorry to hear about Jim's death. I have many fond memories of him, spanning 60 years. You're all in my thoughts. Sincerely, Alan (aka Sam)
Alan Dale
December 22, 2025 | Portland, OR | Family
My deepest sympathy Laurie and family
Paul Schwarm
December 22, 2025 | Pittsburgh, PA | Acquaintance
Peaceful Reflections
Christina (Sauers) Rosnick
December 22, 2025
A wonderful friend and colleague. I will miss you Jim.
Thomas Fitzgerald
December 21, 2025 | Pittsburgh, PA | Friend
So very sorry to hear this news. Jim was my Godfather and was a mentor throughout my adulthood. Always there for me when I needed any advice. He and my Dad were friends. My prayers are with you.
Kimberly Dragosin
December 20, 2025 | Friend
Age 76, of Highland Park, on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Beloved husband of 42 years of Laurie J. (Shannon) Buches; loving father of Stephen James (Amy) Buches, Sarah Shannon Buches (Amber McLaughlin) and Anne Catherine (Jon) McHenry; cherished grandpa of Addison Buches, Michaela Buches, James Buches, Cameron McHenry, Owen McHenry and the late Stephen James Buches; son of the late Stephen James and Helen Jean (Pforsich) Buches; brother of David (Susan) Buches, Tom (Dana) Buches, Tim (Tammy) Buches, the late Mary Buches and George Buches; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jim graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and was recruited to play college football at the University of Notre Dame. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he continued his education at West Virginia University achieving a law degree. He began practicing law as an attorney in Pittsburgh where he met his wife Laurie and started a family, raising their three children in the Highland Park neighborhood.
Jim will be remembered for his larger than life character and stature, which was complimented by a heart of gold. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He enjoyed many years of family get-togethers, most notably beach vacations, extended family picnics, and celebrations over the holidays. He was an avid reader, sports enthusiast, movie connoisseur, and could usually be found listening to classic rock while cooking or gardening on the weekends. Above all else he enjoyed being with his family and will be deeply missed by them.
In lieu of flowers, the Buches family requests donations be made to the Stephen’s Hulksters Angel Fund, an organization founded in honor of Jim’s grandson Stephen who he loved dearly. https://stephenshulksters.com/donate
Family and friends are welcomed at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Service at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Savior Cemetery (Gibsonia, PA).
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