Mike James, aka "Buff"

Michael Duane James, aka “Buff”, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at his home.

Buff was born October 12, 1955, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Leo and Rita (Smith) James, joining his brother, Phil James who was twelve years older than him. Buff graduated from Twin Cedars High School in Bussey, Iowa in the Class of 1973. Following graduation, he received his degree in Mass Communications from Brown Institute and worked at the radio station in Newton, Iowa and eventually made his way to Atlantic, Iowa to work at KJAN.

Shortly after being in Atlantic Buff met his future wife, Jo Ann and her three amazing children Stacy, John and Chris. Buff and Jo Ann were married on June 4, 1983, and a year later they welcomed a son, Cody, to complete their family. Buff and Jo Ann were married for 21 years.

Buff started driving a semi-truck following his radio career, where he got the nickname Buffalo Head, because, well . . . he had a big head. That nickname then got shortened to Buffalo, then to Buff and Papa Buff.

Buff was an avid sports fan, never missing a game of his favorite teams the Green Bay Packers and LA Dodgers. Witty comments came very naturally to Buff, he enjoyed doing standup comedy, the bigger the city and the crowd the better. He loved to sing, sharing his vocals every chance he got. Every month he would go to The Venue in Atlantic or the Chicken Inn in Creston for The Jam Session. In his younger years, he was even in a band called Trigger.

Buff is survived by his children, Stacy (Allen) Van Aernam, John Bengel, Chris Bengel and Cody James; grandchildren, Brittaney (Corey) Elliott, Austin (Alyson) Van Aernam, Allen Van Aernam Jr., Curclund Van Aernam, Stellah Van Aernam, Nella Ruth Van Aernam, Ellanor Mable Van Aernam, Boyce Truman Van Aernam, Marah (Robby) Bodine, Carter Bengel, Taylor (Derick) Seaton, Rylee Bengel, Brinley Bengel, Taliya James, Tayzun James, Talon James and Tayleigh James; great-grandchildren, Clair, Charlie, Corttaney, Chloe, and Cacy Elliott, Allis and Annabella Van Aernam, Raylan, Zealand, and Wesley Bodine, and Tate and Hadlee Seaton; niece, Wendy (Stu) Stetter & family; and a host of friends.

Buff was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Rita James; brother, Phil James; niece, Debbie James; and aunt, Pauline Wilson.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Visitation with the family present will be held prior to the service at the church starting at 10:00 a.m.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Mike's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.