J Merrill Buck, a past resident of Marion, Indiana, passed away on February 7, 2025, in Punta Gorda, Florida. J was born in Fairmount, Indiana, on August 12, 1930, to Ray and Nellie (Williams) Buck.
J was a graduate of Fairmount High School, maintaining a relationship with a couple classmates until his death. Upon finishing high school, he joined the National Guard, serving until joining the Navy in 1948. Subsequent to his Navy service, he enlisted in the Naval Reserves.
J married Joan McMillan Buck on October 18, 1952. They were married for 66 years with two children, Jay (Cathryn) Buck of Carmel, IN, and Christy (Paul) Butche of Punta Gorda, FL.
Family, of course, was number one for J. As well as his children, his brood includes four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them all in a wide variety of activities, including music, art, sports, dance, and academics.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are scattered over the country as they have pursued or are pursuing successful careers. His grandchildren are Jason (Staci) Buck of Santa Rosa, FL, Julie (Scott) Moorehead of Carmel, IN, Amanda Butche of Punta Gorda, FL, and Gabriel Butche of Waterford, MI. His great-grandchildren are Avery Buck of Memphis, TN, Jackson Buck of Malibu, CA, Sofani Buck of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Anna Buck of Santa Rosa, FL, Mason and Marlee Moorehead of Carmel, IN, and Savannah Conn of Avon, IN.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Buck, Dwight Buck, and Carol Pressler.
J worked several jobs after his honorable discharge from the service but excelled as a Die Maker/Blank Developer for General Motors, where he retired after 40 years of service. Post-retirement, he was asked to continue working for GM on a contract basis, which gave him the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally, an opportunity he really enjoyed.
J volunteered with Crippled Children/Adults Society for many years, supplying much-needed transportation to doctor appointments and the management of the supplies warehouse.
J enjoyed watching sports, particularly Marion Giants basketball, with season tickets until he moved to Florida. Another passion was racing, with Sprints, Winged, and Indy Car being among his favorites. He enjoyed trips to the racetrack with buddies, as well as watching them in the comfort of his recliner at home with his signature snack of crackers and cheese.
Genealogy was another hobby enjoyed by J, spending many a day researching on his computer or even traveling through the east coast hunting down information in hometown libraries.
Above all, he will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. J was called a “wonderful man” by all who met him.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the visitation, a service to celebrate J’s life will begin at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Timmons officiating. Burial will take place at Estates of Serenity.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to your local animal shelter or “More Than a Phone”, a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse at https://morethanaphone.networkforgood.com/projects/91331-main-giving-page
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
