James R. Bucher

James Ray “Jim” Bucher, 81, of Fairfield Township, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, following a period of declining health.

Born on February 20, 1943, in his childhood home in Goshen Township, he was the son of the late Scott W. and Emma N. (Krebs) Bucher.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army and was a dedicated member of the Bisel Church.

After completing his education, Jim married Norma Jean Smitley on her 21st birthday, April 22, 1967.

Professionally, Jim spent over 40 years working for the former Joy Manufacturing, the New Philadelphia Fan Company, and Howden Buffalo before retiring in 2008. During his career, he was an active member of the United Steelworkers of America, serving as financial secretary for many years.

Even after retirement, Jim remained active by offering his skills and time to help with various projects, including hauling scrap, assisting Scott and Beth with their new home, cutting firewood, remodeling Jennifer and Todd’s kitchen, helping build their butcher shop, and contributing to multiple home additions. He found joy in butchering meat at the shop and was always eager to lend a hand to others.

Jim also had a special talent for water witching, helping others find the ideal spot for drilling wells.

A founding member of the Fairfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, Jim served as a firefighter, EMT, and treasurer. He was also involved with the Fairfield Grange and the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau.

In his spare time, Jim loved hosting the annual Scott & Emma Bucher family reunion, grilling for family and friends, working on woodworking projects, maintaining an immaculate yard, tinkering with lawnmowers, and enjoying his daily Sudoku puzzle.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; children, Scott (Elizabeth) Bucher and Jennifer (William Todd) Brown of Mineral City; grandchildren, Michael (Keshia) Bucher and Julie (Kendrick Overby) Bucher; great-grandchildren, Carson, Arianna, Audriana, Weston, Hadley and Jensen; his rescue beagle, Lady; and his grandpup, Duke Brown; sister, Betty Parson of New Philadelphia; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter (Kay) Smitley and JoAnne (Gary) Pressnell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in passing by his infant twin sisters; his sister, Marjorie (James) Trachsel; brother, Robert (Lucille) Bucher; and brothers-in-law, Eugene Parson and Robert Smitley.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday where the Fairfield Township Volunteer Fire Department will lead a Firefighter Service beginning at 10:30 a.m. immediately followed by Pastor Roger Warnes leading his service. The New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors in the funeral home immediately following the funeral. Burial will take place in Ridgecrest Memory Garden. Everyone is welcome back to the Fairfield Township Fire Department for a luncheon following the graveside service.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to either Bisel Church, 3108 Bissel Church Rd NE, Dover OH 44622 or the Fairfield Twp. Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 8336, Somerdale, OH 44678.