James Ricky "Yogi Bear" Buchanan

James Ricky “Yogi Bear” Buchanan, 69, of Sylva, NC, peacefully passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was reunited in Heaven with his parents James D. Buchanan and Mary Ruth C. Buchanan, and brother Ronnie Buchanan. 

Lovingly known as Yogi Bear, he was an outdoors enthusiast; every year he looked forward to the camping trip to Standing Indian with his brothers, cousins and nephews. Yogi Bear was an avid coon-hunter and fisherman. Yogi Bear was known to have a great sense of humor, who appreciated cutting up with friends and acquaintances while spending time at PJs in town, and never turned down a good meal. He was a graduate of Sylva Webster then had worked for twenty-five years with Bolton Services Of WNC, Inc; followed by employment at  T & S Hardwoods in Sylva, NC. 

Left to cherish Yogi Bear’s memory are his children James Aaron Buchanan and wife Kristen of Canton, NC, and Hilda Michelle Wood and husband Melvin of Sylva, NC, grandchildren Bethany (Josh) Buchanan and Cayden Wood. He also leaves behind brothers Franky (Ginger) Buchanan and Johnny Buchanan, sister Donna (Joe) Riddle and sister-in-law Kathy Buchanan all of Sylva, NC, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The receiving of friends and family will be from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC; with a funeral service to follow at 7pm. Pastor Eddie Stillwell and Rev. Tim Dillard to officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Associate, https://www.heart.org