James H. Buzby

James H. Buzby, 73, of New Cumberland passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at his residence.

Jim retired as Budget Director, Commonwealth of PA Civil Service Commission, Harrisburg. He was a graduate of Hershey High School, Hershey, PA, Hershey Junior College and Dickinson College, Carlisle.

Jim was born in Hershey, son of the late Eugene K. Buzby and Mildred (Romig) Buzby. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA, a volunteer committee member for the Pinchot Chapter of the Sierra Club, a volunteer committee member for the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. Jim was an intense music aficionado, particularly folk, rock, blues and other musical forms, attended many concerts, and had an extensive record collection. While not a music historian, he was able to recall obscure musicians and recordings when nobody in the room could. Jim loved nature and was able to identify many trees while enjoying walks in and around the Harrisburg area. A passion was animals, specifically, dogs, and his beloved dog Darcy, who benefitted from daily timed hour walks. Jim was well known by his many friends for his wit and compassion for others less fortunate. He wrote for the Harrisburg Free Press and kept a daily journal.

Jim had a lifelong devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Michael) Buzby, a daughter, Elizabeth Buzby Baker and husband Michael of Enola; stepdaughter Katie Schmidt and husband Greg of Columbia, MD; siblings Thomas Buzby and wife Isabel of Lebanon, PA; Gail Buzby of Hendersonville, NC; three grandchildren: Kelsey, Taylor, and Haley; two step grandchildren, Liam and Ronan.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA, with the Very Rev. Churchill G. Pinder officiating. A visitation with Jim’s family will take place beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory are encouraged to: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, Sierra Club http://www.sierraclub.org/pennsylvania, or North Shore Animal League http://animalleague.org. To send messages to the Buzby family or for driving instructions, please visit www.Parthemore.com.