Born: March 4, 1941

Died: June 23, 2013

Dr. James J. Buzalski, DDS, 72 of Vandalia, formerly of Granger, Ind., passed away on Sunday morning in Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Jim was born in Michigan City, Ind., to the late Benjamin S. and Dorothy S. (Pries) Buzalski. On August 29, 1964 in South Bend he married Marcia L. Cook, who survives. Also surviving are three sons, Thomas J. (Diana K.), of Vandalia, Michael A. (Mellody L.), of Edwardsburg, and Daniel M. (Maria L.), of Vandalia; and six grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristi, Benjamin, A.J., Trent and Jena.

Jim graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1967. He was a practicing dentist in Mishawaka, Ind., from July 1967 until his retirement at the end of 2007, spanning 42 1/2 years. He was a life member of the Indiana Dental Association, American Dental Association and the North Central Indiana Dental Society. He was a past member and president of the Mishawaka Dental Society. Dr. Jim thought of his patients as his friends and he loved spending time talking with each of them.

Jim will be remembered as a kind man who cared deeply about his family. He shared his knowledge of problem solving, mechanics, home building, maintenance, electrical and plumbing freely with his boys and took time to nurture them. He and his wife of 48 years, Marcia, spent hours together working on projects, built their own home and worked together for years at Dr. Jim’s dental practice.

The family wishes to thank both Dr. Scheel and Dr. O’Dea for their good care. Thanks also to the nursing staff at Memorial Hospital. Per Jim’s request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. McGann Hay Funerals | Cremations | Gatherings, Granger Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations in Dr. Jim’s memory may be made to any charity. To send condolences to the family log on to: www.McGannHay.com.