James M. Buma, 48, of Phippsburg, died on Sept. 28 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He was born Dec. 29, 1958 in Worcester, Mass., a son of the late Albert, Jr. and Helen (Foley) Buma. He grew up in Millbury, Mass. and graduated from Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in 1976.
He served honorably with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1976-1983. He then moved to Phippsburg, where he met the love of his life, his wife Diane. He worked at the New Meadows Marina as a Master Marine Technician since 1986.
Jim was a kind, gentle, and giving man with an incredible sense of humor. The joys in his life were just being with his wife and daughters, watching them play sports and playing with his new grandson. He loved camping, and sitting around campfires with his family and friends, hugging his dog Mickey, playing golf, four-wheeling, and watching the Patriots and NASCAR. Jim was a member of the Bath Country Club.
In addition to his wife, Diane of Phippsburg, Jim is survived by three daughters, Corie Beth, Rebecca and Jamie, all of Phippsburg; grandson, Lucas James of Phippsburg; stepmother, Patricia Eldridge Buma of Palm Coast, Fla.; sister, Patricia Neelon and husband Michael of Scarborough; brother, Michael of Portland; stepsister, Meg Peterson and husband Cris of Amherst, N.H.; stepbrothers, William Eldridge of Lake Placid, N.Y., and Mark Eldridge and wife Karen of Leicester, Mass.; mother-in-law, Betty Houston of Brunswick; brothers-in-law, Billy, Jimmy, Louie, Danny, Fred and David; sisters-in-law, Franny and Paula; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and many, many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Relatives and friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Jim’s life at noon, Thurs., Oct. 4 at the Small Point Baptist Church, Phippsburg. Pastor Dan Coffin will officiate.
Interment will be at the convenience of Jim’s family.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Jim Buma Memorial Fund, c/o Midcoast Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 780, Bath, ME 04530, attn: Kristi.
Arrangements are under the direction of Coast of Maine Cremation and Funeral Service, Waldoboro.