James Peter Buchalski

James Jim' Peter Buchalski, age 51, of John's Creek, GA, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2013, in Waverly, TN. He was born February 18, 1962 to Thaddeus Cyril Buchalski and Beverly Ann Kurr Buchalski in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim was married to LuRae Rawlings Buchalski, daughter of Jaycee and Ramona Rawlings. Jaycee was a little nervous about his daughter marrying a Yankee, until Jaycee met Jim and knew he was perfect for LuRae. Their home is in John's Creek, GA. Jim loved chopping wood for his sister-in-law Marva Rawlings and making sure everything was in working order on Jaycee's land. He was most proud of the accomplishments of his daughters Lucy Carstarphen and Allie Buchalski. Lucy graduated from Georgia State School of Law in 2011 and is now a practicing attorney in the firm of Clark and Washington in Atlanta, Georgia. Allie is currently enrolled in her freshman year at Furman University in Greenville, SC, where she runs for their track and cross country teams. Allie was the individual state cross country champion in Georgia 2009, 2011, and 2012. She was also the state champion in both the 1600m and 3200m in 2013 and was named Georgia Gatorade Runner of the Year in 2012. As a freshman at Furman, she earned a place on the Southern Conference first team, Southern Conference freshman team, and All-Region team. She lead her team to the Southern Conference championship and was named 2013 SoCon Women's Cross Country Freshman of the Year. She was recently selected to represent Team USA at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country Challenge in Scotland. Jim made it to all of Allie's meets and has been her #1 coach and fan since she started running. Jim was also a strong supporter of high school basketball coaches, including Coach Barney Marchand of the John's Creek Gladiators and Coach Marva Rawlings. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014, at the Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. Rev. Mark Warren will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Richlawn Cemetery in Waverly, TN. Active pallbearers will be Lucy Carstarphen, Allie Buchalski, Tom Buchalski, Ken Holland, Jimmie Holland, Zach, Willard, and Jaycelyn Holland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Furman Elite, a post-collegiate running club that supports America's best distance prospects as they compete at the national and international levels while promoting healthy lifestyles in the Greenville, SC community. To donate, make checks payable to Furman University' and include Furman Elite' in the memo section. Mail to: Furman Track Office, Attn: Coach Robert Gary, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613. Survivors include: Wife: LuRae Buchalski Daughters: Allie Buchalski, Lucy Carstarphen Parents: Thaddeus and Beverly Buchalski Brother: Tom Buchalski Sister: Pam Braid (Laurie) Sister-in-Law: Marva Rawlings Brother-in-Law: Ken Holland Nephews: Brian Buchalski, Jimmie Holland (Jamie) Nieces: Brianna Buchalski, Jaycelyn Holland Pets: Panther the cat, Retta Raye Van-Cleef and Lucky Ace Buchalski the dogs; all rescues Preceded in death by: Sister-in-law: Barbara Buchalski Father-in-law and Mother-in-law: Jaycee and Ramona Rawligs Sister-in-law: Jaynee Rawlings Holland LUFF-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME 2400 Hwy. 13 North Waverly, TN 37185 Telephone 931-296-2437 Obituary Line 931-296-3500