BUXTON, James Ross

Published by Today's News-Herald on Jan. 3, 2026 - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - (personal article, page 5A) Lake Havasu City – In the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, James Ross Buxton – known affectionately to the Havasu community as “Jimbo” – passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side. James was 74 and one of the early residents of Lake Havasu City, moving his family from California to Arizona in 1979. James was born to parents Fredrick Sr. and Helen in Redondo Beach, CA. As a young man he was both an artist and a builder, performing as a talented drummer in coastal surf-rock bands in the 60s (following in the musical footsteps of his idol and oldest brother Freddie), then later founding “Buxton Boats” with his middle brother and closest friend Barry —fabricating custom flatbottom boats with world-class racing engines. As a devoted proud father and mentor, James coached his sons’ club soccer and little league baseball teams for many seasons, leading multiple Havasu youth sports teams to numerous state and local tournament championships. For 40+ years James was a private business owner in Lake Havasu, serving its residents with pool care and home service enterprises. In his spare time “Captain Jimbo” enjoyed recreational lake outings to Black Meadow Landing and Havasu Springs with family and friends, as well as competing in the professional waterski racing circuit as a winning driver and skier. James is survived by his two adoring sons, David (Candace) and Steven (Rubi), and his cherished grandchildren, Presley, Parker and Owen. He is also survived by his longtime partner, Peggy Hans, and his eldest brother Fred. James was preceded in death by his brother Barry (2023), and his sisters Renie (2006) and Barb (2025). James also leaves behind a large grieving circle of nieces and nephews and friends to whom he was deeply connected to and will miss him dearly. As his family mourns the loss of their wonderful father, brother, uncle and enduring best friend, James’s resolute Christian faith and belief in God gives them great comfort and assurance he is now restored, resting blissfully in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3) – Amen Memorial and celebration services to honor James to be announced in the new year.