James “Jim” Everet Buffington, age 71, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Monday afternoon, February 17, 2020, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville.

   He was born January 4, 1949, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Hugh Hodge and Pauline (Mix) Buffington.  He was united in marriage to Janet Lee Smith on October 16, 1971, and together they shared 20 years of marriage.  He later married Brooke Ariana Farrey on April 1, 2003, at the Coon Creek Ridge Riders Club, and they have shared over 16 years of marriage.

   Jim, also known to friends as “Buff,” was often heard jokingly referring to himself a “Jack of all trades, master of none.”  In the past he worked for Case, Holland Truck Stop and Red Rooster, and he also farmed.  Jim operated a gas station at one time, and was a lifelong “shade tree mechanic,” working on and rebuilding on all types of vehicles, equipment, and trailers.  He could plan out and often draw his projects on paper, sometimes turning one thing into something new, like the time he made an ambulance into a camper van.  He most recently had built a VW Trike.  He last operated and retired from Buffington’s Rural Trash.  Jim enjoyed fishing and camping, and spending time with family and sharing affection with his pets and cats.  He was a proud founding member and owner of Coon Creek Ridge Riders, was a member of A.B.A.T.E. Illinois Freedom Riders Chapter, and had been a past member of the Bass Club, Flora Eagles, Moose Lodge, and Sons of the American Legion.

   He is survived by his wife: Brooke Ariana Buffington of Clay City; his first wife: Janet Lee Smith Buffington of Olney; a son: Richard Hugh Buffington of Clay City; a daughter: Rebecca Buffington of Olney; 3 granddaughters: Sierra Lee Buffington, Autumn Renee Buffington, and Andrea Nicole Buffington, all of Flora; a sister: Bonnie; a nephew: David Farley; father and mother-in-law: Brian and Brenda Farrey of Flora; sister-in-law: Heather Lynn (Cody) Farrey Hogan of Milwaukee, WI; brother-in-law: David James (Tyler) Farrey of Oblong; sister-in-law: Laurel (Ryan) Dingman of Mt. Vernon; and a niece: Arianna Dingman of Mt. Vernon. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents: Hugh Hodge and Pauline Buffington; a son: Everet Lee Buffington; and a niece: Elizabeth Ann.

   A visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  A funeral ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Bunker Cemetery, near Rinard.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with expenses and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com