James "Jim" Spencer Buford

James (Jim) Spencer Buford, age 97 of Franklin, TN passed away August 1, 2025. He was born in Bells, TN to the late Kermit and Hester Pearson Buford.

Jim was a retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with the United States Marine Corp, and served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. While serving in the military, Jim lived in Southern, CA and Hawaii with his family when he was not deployed.

After retirement from the Marines in 1975, Jim and his family moved to West Tennessee to be near his extended family. He received his BBA degree from Lambuth College, Jackson, TN, in 1998. Jim had a second retirement from the State of Tennessee where he worked as a business counselor for the blind.

He was a long-time member of West Main Church of Christ in Franklin. Jim helped establish churches in Hawaii, Humboldt and Franklin, TN. After moving to his new home at NHC Cool Springs, he attended services provided by Concord Road Church of Christ and adored the worship leaders.

Preceded in death by wives, Evelyn Leggett Buford, Betty Jo Skinner Buford; sisters, Doris Buford Weatherholt and Mae Buford Shelley; step daughter, Jo Hannah Goodwin and great grandson, Tate Davis Parker.

Survived by: son, Jay Anthony (Lisa) Buford; daughter, Tamara Buford "Tammy" (Pat) Parker; grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Fredericks, Christie (Mike) Kerrigan, Spencer (Katy) Buford, Patrick (April) Parker, Daniel (Juliann) Parker, Drew (Claire) Parker and Paige (Trevor) Wickham; great grandchildren, Barrett "Bear" Fredericks, Callan Kerrigan, Beau & Bella Buford, Sayla Geiser, Patrick "Pax" & Pepper Parker, Emma & Easton Parker and Preston Parker; Evelyn's daughter, Rosalie Hannah Davidson; and, Betty's sons, Michael (Stephanie) Skinner & Greg (Sena) Skinner, along with many other beloved family members that called him Granddaddy or Papa Jim.

Jim also leaves behind many special friends from church, the Cool Springs Galleria Mall walking/coffee drinking group, Friday Costco Veterans group, NHC staff and friendly residents, special friend, John Gilliam and his dog, Riley and beloved caretaker, Serife Imece.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, August 16 at 1:00 pm at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private full military service will be conducted at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Nashville, TN. Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers or Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund.

WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289 williamsonmemorial.com