John James Buchanan Jr.

John James Buchanan, Jr., the son of Dr. J. J. Buchanan, MD, and Marian Buchanan, passed away at the age of 74 1/2 Monday evening, May 11, 2015 at Regency Care Center in Arlington, WA, after developing pneumonia. John had been in declining health.

John was born 9/4/40 in Spencer, IA, raised in Milford, IA, & was part of the MHS classes
of '59 & '60. Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation first trained him for bakery work, then for washing pots and pans, and kitchen duties at IA Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, for 18 Years, until 3/93. John moved to Washington to live with his younger sister and brother-in-law in 1993. He was diagnosed at 53 with Dementia, and other health concerns. John worked 2 ½ Years, at Arlington's Island Bakery, then participated weekdays at Village Community Services, (VCS) a sheltered workshop.

In 7/04, a malignant lymphoma on his back left him unable to stand or walk. After
surgery & a month of rehabilitation in Everett, WA, he returned, wheelchair bound,
to the Lish home, & received Hospice care for 4 months. By spring 2005, he was miraculously walking with a walker, & by summer with a cane.

Until '08, he enjoyed many summer vacations & fishing at the family's Williams cottage on W. Lake Okoboji, IA, or visiting relatives around the USA. He used to bowl, play cards, attend sporting events, & stay on days off with his mother in Ames. He liked old western movies and animals – especially dogs, & eating out!

John was preceded in death by his father (1988), mother (2009), and many dear relatives. He is survived by his sisters: Kay Buchanan (Milford, IA), Jeannine (Alan) Lish (Marysville, WA). Kay's girls – Sherri (Jerry) DeNoble (Spirit Lake, IA) and Dr. Bobbi Kostinec (Rochester, MN). Lish's sons – Chris (Pt. Reyes Nat Seashore, CA), Erich (Kellie) (Arlington, WA), & Greg (Kim) (Snohomish, WA). John was loved by several grandnieces/nephews: Isabelle, Luke and Jake Kostinec; Barry and Elizabeth DeNoble; Jonah and Grace Lish.

John's brain was donated to UC Davis for autism research, & his body was cremated.
A Celebration of John's Life will be Sun, 5/31/15 at Arlington United Church (AUC), 4th & McLeod, Arlington, WA. A potluck luncheon will begin around 11:40 AM, followed by telling & viewing of John's life story, Please RSVP (360 652-9227) if you plan to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite AUC, VCS, autism research, or a charity of your choice are encouraged.