Deacon James Buchanan, 58

July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.


A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 13 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Mercerville, for Deacon James Buchanan who died March 9 at age 58.

Born in Philadelphia, Deacon Buchanan grew up in Cherry Hill and later in Reistertown, Md. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

He enjoyed a more than 20-year career at Colgate Palmolive in Piscataway working as a senior flavor chemist and more recently was a senior flavorist of Oral Care Flavors at Takasago International in Bergen County.

Deacon Buchanan was ordained a deacon for the diocese May 8, 2004, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John M. Smith, and ministered in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, for the past six years. He was involved in several parish ministries including the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Renew and the Altar-Rosary Society as well as assisted at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

He was also involved as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America for many years.

Deacon Buchanan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kathy; two children, Erin Buchanan of London, England, and Capt. James Buchanan, who is stationed in the United States Marine Corps in Lorton, Va.; nine siblings, his mother-inlaw, Mary McGowan, and many nieces and nephews.

Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, 3816 East State Street Extension, Mercerville, N.J. 08619.

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A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 13 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Mercerville, for Deacon James Buchanan who died March 9 at age 58.

Born in Philadelphia, Deacon Buchanan grew up in Cherry Hill and later in Reistertown, Md. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

He enjoyed a more than 20-year career at Colgate Palmolive in Piscataway working as a senior flavor chemist and more recently was a senior flavorist of Oral Care Flavors at Takasago International in Bergen County.

Deacon Buchanan was ordained a deacon for the diocese May 8, 2004, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John M. Smith, and ministered in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, for the past six years. He was involved in several parish ministries including the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Renew and the Altar-Rosary Society as well as assisted at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

He was also involved as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America for many years.

Deacon Buchanan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kathy; two children, Erin Buchanan of London, England, and Capt. James Buchanan, who is stationed in the United States Marine Corps in Lorton, Va.; nine siblings, his mother-inlaw, Mary McGowan, and many nieces and nephews.

Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, 3816 East State Street Extension, Mercerville, N.J. 08619.

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