James W. Buchanan III

James W. Buchanan III, known to many as "Little Jimmy", of Cochran and native to Crawford County, passed away on the morning of January 5, 2026, at Atrium Health Hospital in Macon. He was 50 years old. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest in the family plot at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Born on June 5, 1975, in Houston County, Jimmy was the beloved son of James W. Buchanan Jr. and Shelia Buchanan Otto.

Jimmy was a beloved father, son, brother and uncle. He had a life defined by devotion to his family; His first thoughts were always to his kids and grandkids. His memory will live on through his family and friends. Making his early arrival coming in like the tornado he was, Jimmy was born determined. He was a fun-loving adventurous soul from the time he was little. He was wild and rough but a little darling that was adored by everyone, a real little man. At the little age of only 2 years old, Jimmy would ride around on his tri bike with no training wheels! Started riding his minibike at 7 years old and taking on TIKWONDO! We knew he would always be a thrill seeker! He started racing motorcross at 14 years old and was GOOD! Our little 5lb 13oz baby boy was a spit fire! He started his first job at 16 years old and bought his very own car, a Camaro, and was on his way to greatness! Working hard at the grocery store in Macon GA, he met his soon-to-be wife, Nicki; that's where his reason began! Jimmy later started working at A&D Asphalt, then moved to Miami FL. Later returning to carry out a career in construction and mobile homes with G&S Mobile Home Service, a family-owned business run by his loving mother Shelia and stepfather Gene! Jimmy always took pride in his work and worked hard to provide for his wife Nicki, daughter Raelyn, son Jimmy and himself! Jimmy was never with any bullcrap and was a true Mans-Man!! Later in life in 2007, his love for motorcycles ultimately left him with a TBI, Jimmy shouldn't have made it but beat all odds and any medical stigmas stacked against him; determined to live! Jimmy came back to us and lived with Mother Shelia and her husband George (Butch) Otto. Jimmy dedicated his life to Jesus, surpassing all things possible known by doctors; only through the love of God and the love his family poured into him! Living life for the little things we all take for granted a lot of times. Able to slow down and find the things in life that really matter. Always offering a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on to every single family member/friend that came his way. Jimmy has always been an inspiration to many, no matter the time we all looked up to him!

Little Jimmy was very close with his family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. All his nieces and Nephews and their children were around daily, those days were a constant reminder of the love that held the family close. His most loved time was the visits from his son, daughter and grandboys. He had many treasured friendships that brought love, laughter, and support to his life.

He was preceded in death by Paternal Grandparents-James Buchanan Sr and Louis Holcomb; Maternal Grandparents - Helen Lampkin and Curtis Carey; Uncles – Edward and David Carey; Cousins- Josh Lucas and Nicole Pope.

Jimmy is survived by his mother: Shelia Buchanan Otto (George "Butch" Otto) Father: James Winston Buchanan Jr. (Connie Buchanan) His children: Raelyn Collins (Landon Collins), Jimmy Buchanan (Victoria Buchanan); Sisters: Michelle Daniel (Phillip Daniel), Carrie Horvath (Brian Horvath); Nephews: Luke Bond (Emily Bond), Robert Bond (Chelsea Bond), Kevin Vann (Jessica Vann), Devin Vann (Hannah Vann); Nieces: Ashley Smith (Mitchell Smith), Allisha Goff

He was a proud grandfather to Colt and Cason Collins.

He will be missed dearly but always remembered and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of being a part of his family or have his friendship!

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