James Buebendorf

James V. Buebendorf passed away on January 28, 2023. Beloved husband of 53 years to Ethel Brown, and father to James Jr (Sherry), Donna Perrette (John) and Michelle McCormack (Christopher). He was loved and adored by his seven grandchildren Isabella, James, Evan, Juliana, Matthew, Daniel, and Ryan. 

Loving brother to Anne (Baker), Gerry (Panayides), Mary (Petella) and the late Rev. Victor and the late Robert Buebendorf.

He was loved by many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

James was born January 14, 1945 in Staten Island, NY to S. Victor and Mary Buebendorf(McClean).  He graduated from OLHC School (in 1958, Xaverian High School in 1962 and enrolled at Fordham University where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He later earned his BS in Criminal Justice from New York Institute of Technology.

In May of 1966, Jim enlisted in the United States Army.  He completed basic training at Fort Gordon, GA and Advanced Infantry Training and Drill Sergeant Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.  He served as a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood and completed a tour in Vietnam before his honorable discharge in 1969.

Jim spent time in the financial industry before joining the NYPD in June 1973. He served the people of the City of New York in several assignments including the 67 Pct. (Brooklyn), 7th Pct. (Manhattan), 120 Pct. (Staten Island), Transit Division, and the Chief of Detectives Office. 

During his 28 years “on the job”, he was a PBA Delegate, member of the Honor Legion, Field Training Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant.    He performed heroically in downtown Manhattan on 9/11/01 and the year following, before retiring on July 1, 2002 as the Lieutenant Commander of the Detective Bureau, Chief of Detectives Office.

A lifelong parishioner at Our Lady Help of Christians and Tottenville resident, Jim was president of the OLHC Men’s Club and a baseball and softball coach at South Shore Little League.  He also enjoyed cooking,and in fact, briefly co-owned a catering business with his good friend Pete Prato.

Jim cherished his role as “G-Pa” and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He especially loved taking them boating and instructing them on the finer points of catching fish. He tolerated frequent trips to Disney World with the entire, 15 person, family.

In 2005, he and Ethel purchased a home in Hutchinson Island, Fl where they spent the winters as “seasonal residents”. He did not like or appreciate the term “snow bird”.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers, in James' name would be appreciated by the family.