The Rev. Dr. James P. “Buck” Biedenharn Jr., 71, passed away following a long illness Friday, March 30, 2018, at his home in New Albany, Ind.

He was born in Vicksburg and was a retired United Methodist Church Minister serving churches throughout the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church.

James completed his undergraduate education at the University of Southern Mississippi. He attended Ole Miss Law School and received his Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry from Drew Theological School. Always known as a gifted wordsmith and storyteller, in 2017 he published “River City Ebb & Flow,” based on experiences of growing up in Miss. In addition, he was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner as well as a member of both the Kiwanis and the Lions Clubs. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and James Biedenharn Sr.

James is survived by his wife of 41 years, the Rev. Dr. Clare Richardson Biedenharn; two sons, the Rev. James “Jay” Biedenharn III (Louise), 1st Lt. Robert Biedenharn (Andrea); brother, Richard E. Biedenharn (Beth); sister, Paula Emory; three grandchildren; and nine nieces and nephews.

Visitation for James will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home, with a memorial service Saturday, May 12, at Porters Chapel United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Good Shepherd Community Center, 629 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183 or The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, 800 Avery Blvd. North #100: Ridgeland, MS 39157.