A Tribute To James Buck

1924 - 2007

Over the years many of us involved with fastball have been fortunate to have crossed paths with Jim Buck.  Jim and his traveling buddies, Gus Takacs and Winston Botting were fixtures in many fastball parks throughout Ontario overthe years. Their attendance and support of the game was always greatly appreciated by the hosts and players alike.  Whether it was a trip to Perth, Midland or their favorite destination – Waterloo  these three gentlemen followed the game and knew it well.

I was lucky enough to meet Jim in Simcoe in 1978 and we’ve been fastball buddies ever since.  I, like many other players from the Haldimand Norfolk area, past and present, are really going to miss him.  Jim was a great family man and his conversations always started with questions about your family and ended with “God Bless”.  A veteran of World War II, Jim went on to serve overseas with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry ,the United Nations in Egypt and became a career soldier in 1953 with the R.C.H.A.  Jim was always proudest of his contribution to the freedom we enjoy as Canadians.  He is known in Simcoe as The Flag Man for his many letters to the editor about theproper etiquette for flying our Maple Leaf.

His home was full of ball jackets, programs, sweaters and hats given to him by players who just wanted to say thanks for his support. When we would get together for coffee Jim might have shown up in a Broken Bow jacket given to him by Rob Schweyer and a Waterloo Twins hat from Larry Lynch.  Anotherday it was an I.S.C. hat sent to him by Milt Stark, a Rockford Yins jacket and an A.S.A. T-shirt. He was a huge supporter of the local Rockford Yins and served on their Executive for many years.  I.S.C. Hall Of  Famer Larry Lynch, Jeff Spencer and Chuck Hendricks were some of his favourite players.  In his later years of failing health, Jim could no longer comeout to the ball park but he never lost his love for the game.  He would always call for updates about who was playing where and who were the “upand comers”. 

I was lucky to call Jim my friend; his voice will be greatlymissed.

God Bless You Jim.

George Ryder
gjryder@kwic.com

 BUCK, James Robert: It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of James Robert Buck, who demonstrated great strength and courage in death as in life. With his family by his side at his home in Simcoe, he died on March 2, 2007, in his 84th year. Father of James Jr. (Doris) of Simcoe, Brian (Kim) of Delhi and Marlene (Eugene) of Simcoe. Grandfather of Tammy (Ralph) of Hamilton, Mark (Sheri) of Simcoe, Steven of Simcoe and Eric of Simcoe. Great-grandfather to Casandra and Alexandrea of Hamilton and Emma-Lynn of Simcoe. Dear brother of Eileen Marshall of Simcoe and Tom (Mary-Jean) of Wainfleet. Brother-in-law of Bill Jenner of Simcoe and longtime family friend Doris Stewart. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by a brother, Joseph Buck, and a sister, Edith Wark. Jim was a friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a veteran of WWII, having served overseas with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. He also served overseas with the United Nations in Egypt, then became a career soldier in 1953 with the R.C.H.A. (Sigs). He came to Simcoe in 1972, where he was employed by the Post Office for a number of years. He was an avid gardener and loved going to fastball tournaments with his buddies Winston and Gus. He was referred to as the Flag Man. Friends are invited to call at THE FERRIS FUNERAL HOME, 214 Norfolk St. S., Simcoe, on Tuesday evening from 7 - 9 p.m., where service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. Rev. William Hansford and Rev. Victor McWilliams officiating. Memorial donations to the Norfolk Hospital Foundation or the Arthritis Society would be appreciated.