James Walter Buchanan

1935 - 2020

James Walter Buchanan, D.V.M. He was born January 15th 1935 and passed away after a lengthy illness surrounded by family on July 20th 2020 at the age of 85. Jim grew up in Jackson, Michigan and played drums for his high school marching band. He met his future wife Marolyn during summer band camp at Interlochen. After high school, Jim attended community college and Michigan State University where he played drums for the MSU marching band, including a trip to the Rose Bowl parade. Jim and Marolyn were married in 1954 just before he joined the Army. He was sent to Europe as a medic and played drums for his Divisional marching band. After his service, he returned to school and eventually graduated top of his class at MSU Veterinary School. In 1960, Jim accepted a research and teaching position at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School and Hospital so they moved to Narberth, Pennsylvania and raised four children, becoming very active members of the community. Jim enjoyed singing with the Narberth Methodist church choir, sang the Star-Spangled banner at the Fourth of July fireworks, and led the carol sing-along at the Narberth train station for many years. He joined Indian Guides and was Scoutmaster with Narberth Troop 176. “Dr. B,” as the scouts called him, took two crews out to Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico. He attended years of basketball games and musical concerts put on by his kids and grandkids. Jim remained a full Professor at the Vet School for over 40 years. He served as Department Chair for many years, publishing numerous books, films, and articles on Veterinary Cardiology. His research interests bridged human and animal medicine, especially heart valve repair, transplantation, and artificial heart development. A library of his teaching films and slides can be found at https://www.vin.com/library/general/JBintro.htm He was able to take his family to Switzerland for a year-long sabbatical in 1970. There they trekked (and skied) throughout Europe in a pop-up camper while living outside of Bern in a small farming village. Over the years, Jim traveled all over the world giving lectures on his research findings and innovative cardiovascular surgical techniques. He was a innovator and pioneer, widely known as the first to implant a pacemaker into a disabled dog. Jim often hosted foreign students and veterinarians and helped develop Veterinary Cardiology as a new specialty. He became an active Emeritus professor at Penn and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University. In addition to music, Jim enjoyed photography and home repairs, loved to ski, travel, teach, and help others along the way. Jim was the loving husband of Marolyn (nee Cline) for 66 years; son of the late Walter Buchanan and Gladys Sterling; and brother of Helen Kelley. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald Buchanan and sister, Jean Buchanan. Jim was the loving father of Scott (Kay), Mike (Jill), Maureen, and Dan, and was the doting grandfather of Frankie (Melissa), Sara, and Anna Cucinotta. Numerous nieces and nephews also relied on his support. Jim and Marolyn recently moved to Independent Living at Simpson House in Philadelphia. There will be a private family service scheduled at a future date. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chadwickmckinney.com In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to New Horizons Senior Center, P.O. Box 85, Narberth, Pa 19072 https://www.newhorizonsseniorcenter.org/donate.html or to the Friends of Penn Vet Fund https://www.vet.upenn.edu/giving Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home Inc. www.chadwickmckinney.com