James 'Jim' Wayne Buck, 67, West Concord
James “Jim” Wayne Buck, 67, of West Concord, MN, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, after a yearlong courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on January 20th, 1958, in Rochester to Duane and Marcella (Briggs) Buck. On July 13th, 1991, he married Lori Redding of Zumbrota. They shared two children together, Ashley and David Buck. Lori, Ashley, and David were truly the greatest joys of his life.
Jim spent his entire life in West Concord where he worked the same family farm that had been a part of his story from the very beginning. Farming wasn’t just what Jim did – it was who he was. He took great pride in raising cattle, pigs, a donkey (Remington) for his son David, milking cows, tending to crops, and caring for the land. It was rare to see him wearing anything but jeans and a flannel shirt. His dedication to his work was matched only by the satisfaction he found in seeing each season through from planting to harvest.
When he wasn’t on the farm, Jim could often be found enjoying classic cars, especially Mustangs and Trans Ams. He enjoyed going to demolition derbies, tractor pulls, rodeos, spending time at the sales barn, and driving the countryside to take in the beauty of rural Minnesota. He also had a deep appreciation for polka music and looked forward to his trips to Colorado, where the open spaces and mountain views reminded him of the freedom he loved. Jim will be remembered for his hardworking spirit and love for his late wife, Lori, and children, David and Ashley, as well as his grand dog, Zeus.
Jim is survived by his sisters: Dorothy (Carvel) Munnikhuysen of Dodge Center, Deb (Kent) Ruport of Kasson, and Judy (Roger) Quimby of West Concord; his brother, Bob (Lori Goodwill) Buck of Elysian; David’s fiancé, Michaela Neuzil; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Duane and Marcella Buck; his brother, Richard (Rhonda) Buck; his wife, Lori (Redding) Buck; daughter, Ashley Buck; and son, David Buck as well as his first wife, Peggy.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Jim’s life on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN. A prayer service will be held at 11:30 am. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service. Following the service, a lunch will be held at the funeral home. There will be a burial service for both Jim and his son, David, at the Old Concord Cemetery, 20258 554th Street, West Concord, MN, immediately following the luncheon. All are welcome to join.