James Alan Buzzard

1954 - 2021

BUZZARD, James Alan, 66, middle son of Glenn and Mildred Buzzard and brother of John and Scott Buzzard, was born on July 13, 1954 in Peoria, Illinois, and passed away on April 9, 2021, in Richmond, Va. He was a loving father, husband and grandfather. He was known by many titles, but his two favorites were "Dad" and "Baka" – the closest his beloved grandkids could get to pronouncing "Grandpa."

A native son of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he developed a love of the great outdoors and an infatuation with the Green Bay Packers that followed him his entire life. He grew up hunting and fishing with his brothers, John and Scott and could be found fishing for trophy walleye in Pickle Lake, Ontario, or simply searching for sunfish in a local pond with his kids. Free time was for nature, and Sundays were for the Packers.

Jim also enjoyed duck hunting, cycling, hiking and golfing, though he would recommend not trying to learn the latter after retirement. Jim would be the first to tell you what he lacked in technical skill on the golf course he made up for ten-fold in enthusiasm. His favorite part about being on the course was the time spent with his favorite golf partners - his brother, Scott, his children and his friends.

Jim was always a man of faith and incredibly involved in the church. Though he moved around throughout his career, Jim always jumped into his new congregation and made his presence felt. He served as president of church councils and became involved in finance committees. Always a punctual man, he often resigned to sneaking in the back as his two children made him perpetually late for service. Backing out of the driveway eight to 12 minutes later than the appropriate departure time, he would invariably say, "Alright, we're off like a herd of turtles."

Jim left Milwaukee to study at North Carolina State University, where he majored in pulp and paper science and technology. He went on to receive his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Jim began working for the Westvaco Corporation in 1978 in the controller's department in Charleston, South Carolina, the beginning of a 35-year career with MeadWestvaco that resulted in his retirement as president. Jim then went on to serve as the Lead Independent Director for Acco Brands, an operating partner for Advent International, and the non-executive chairman of Fort Dearborn based in Chicago.

He was also able to combine his passion for the outdoors and his business experience by sitting on the board of directors of North Carolina State's School of Natural Resources for nine years and the James River Association for 11, sitting as the chairman of the board of directors for the last two. As an alumnus of NC State, he established an endowment fund to support leadership development for students and a scholarship fund for students in the pulp and paper program. As a lifelong outdoorsman he resonated greatly with the James River Association's mission to preserve and protect the James River. He and his wife, Susan made a second home at "The Rivah" with their family up in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Jim's happy place was a sunset on the dock, a bourbon in his hand and Susan by his side.

Jim loved people and engaged everyone in genuine conversation with honest interest. He was known for his modesty, sincerity, generosity and kindness. He treasured his family above all else and constantly went out his way to make them feel loved and cared for. He will be remembered most for his quick wit, his sense of humor, his ability to grill up enough brats to feed an army on Packers game day and, of course, his warm smile.

Jim's passing was preceded by his parents, Mildred and Glen Buzzard; and his brother, John Buzzard.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Michael Buzzard (Megan), Leigh Buzzard, Braden Snyder (Mary) and Brittany Snyder; grandchildren, Harper and Reid Buzzard and Libby Snyder; brother, Scott Buzzard (Diane); and loving nieces and nephews.

There will be private church service and burial at Hollywood Cemetery for family and a Celebration of Life for all who would like to attend on Sunday, April 18, at 11333 Beaver Castle Road, Hopewell, Virginia 23860 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the James River Association.