James P. Buford

BUFORD, James P. Kalamazoo Mr. Buford passed away Tuesday morning, July 31, 2007 with his family by his side. He was born October 21, 1926 in Manila, Arkansas, one of four children to the late Edgar and Dora Watkins Buford. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He was employed by Gibson Guitar Co. for 33 years until his retirement in 1983. On July 17, 1954, Jim was united in marriage to Shirley Evans in Blytheville, Arkansas. Surviving are his wife of 53 years Shirley Buford; two children, James St. James of Kalamazoo and Stanley Star Ryan Buford of St. James City, Florida; four grandchildren, Jessica, Nicholas and Lisa Buford and Laura Methany; one great-grandson, Gavin Moan; one sister, Maxine Farmer of Blytheville, Arkansas; son-in-law, Harold Methany of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; his daughter, Esther Ruth Methany; and one granddaughter Amber Methany. Funeral services for Mr. Buford will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with Pastor Manuel Moguel officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 PM on Friday at the funeral home.