BMC (ret.) James Wallace Buss, 61 of Galena, IL passed away unexpectedly Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his home. A celebration of life will be held at Noon, Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may gather after 10 AM at the funeral chapel until time of service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena where military honors will be accorded by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. Cremation rites have been accorded. He was born December 27, 1955 in Dubuque the son of Wally and LaVon (Stodden) Buss. Jim attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Galena High School. On August 28, 1973 he enlisted in the United States Navy and enjoyed a twenty-two year career retiring as an E-7. He was based at the Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor, HI, Subic Bay Philippines and Bremerton, WA. He served aboard the USS Fresno (LST-1182), Helicopter Squadron Light 41 and USS John Young (DD-973). He participated in operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf. After retiring from the Navy, Jim followed his dream of driving a semi-truck across the United States. He was still too young to settle down but due to health issues he was forced into full retirement. Jim recently decided it was time to come home and be near his family so in January he moved to Galena full-time. He was an avid NASCAR fan following Dale Earnhardt Jr. He is survived by his mother, LaVon Buss, his wife, Win, children, Maria and Jimmy, grandchildren, sisters, Roxanne (Dale) White, Pamela (Chris) Pecoraro and Janice (Gene) Pfohl, brothers, Lee (Robin) and Tim (Rocio) Buss, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and the many new friends he has made since moving to Galena. He was preceded in death by his father, brother, Tommy and sister, Mary. The family requests no flowers. A memorial fund has been established.