James Alma Buhler

James Alma Buhler, age 67, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. He was born on May 13, 1958, in Portland, Oregon, to Elmer Barben Buhler and Pauline Eloise Roser. He was the second oldest of four children, growing up with two brothers and a younger sister.

Known in his youth as “Jimmy Swift,” Jim was a gifted athlete and an exceptional student. He was raised on an 80-acre dairy farm in Sandy, Oregon, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and integrity at a very young age. By age eight, he was driving the hay truck- sitting on a phone book to see out the window- while his father loaded hay bales. As he grew older, he took on increasing responsibility, driving tractors, cleaning barns, hauling wood, and milking cows. By age twelve, Jim was already demonstrating leadership and maturity beyond his years. When his older brother was in a devastating accident, Jim took on the challenge of managing the farm while still attending high school for two years.

Jim excelled academically and received the highest award at Bull Run Elementary as the best all-around student. He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1974. He graduated from Sandy High School, earned an associate degree from Mt. Hood Community College, and attended Brigham Young University, where he studied business.

Jim faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission, where he served as an assistant to the mission president. He liked that people frequently thought the missionaries were CIA or FBI agents as they drove around wearing dark suits and ties in Ford Pintos and Chevy Novas.

Jim met Quila in the Spring of 1980 when at a young adult fireside. He had just returned from BYU. They became very good friends as they served as single adult representatives together in their church ward.

That year, Jim worked at Skyways Airline at Troutdale Airport, fueling planes and pursuing his pilot’s license. Though he soloed several times, he ultimately chose a career that offered stability and service, accepting a position with the City of Portland. There, he oversaw the city’s infrastructure and enjoyed operating large machinery- his own “big boy sandbox.” This work was especially meaningful as he prepared to marry the love of his life.

Jim married Quila Hook on February 13, 1982, in the Seattle Washington Temple. Their marriage was built on deep friendship, open communication, honesty, and mutual respect.

In 1985, Jim and Quila endured the heartbreak of losing their stillborn daughter, Christina. The joy of parenthood followed with the birth of their daughter Jessica in 1986, and later their youngest daughter, Stephanie, in 1988. Jim’s greatest pride and joy was his family, and nothing brought him more happiness than watching his children grow and succeed.

Jim loved participating in sports- softball, basketball, tennis, golf, racquetball, and ping pong- preferring to play rather than watch. He coached his daughters’ softball teams and cherished family traditions, including annual trips to Disneyland and attending Portland Trail Blazers games as season ticket holders. He was a competitive board and card game player who liked to win. Known for his tender heart, Jim never enjoyed hunting, as he found it difficult to harm any animal.

A man of self-discipline and principle, Jim believed strongly in living within his means and worked hard to remain debt-free throughout his life. He served faithfully in church in many callings, spending the last two decades as a ward finance clerk, where he took great pride in maintaining perfect audits.

Jim’s health issues started in 2017 when he had a massive heart attack the day he retired. He was in the hospital for a few days and back at work the following week to help those individuals taking his place.

His battle with cancer began in the summer of 2021 with an aggressive form of tongue cancer. It was a tender mercy that it was caught early; his physician believed that even a few weeks’ delay would have required reconstructive surgery. In February 2022, a squamous cell skin carcinoma was removed, though an undetected cancer cell later lodged on a nerve in his neck. By fall, he was diagnosed with stage 3 neck cancer, and surgery in December revealed prostate cancer as well.

Throughout 2023, he underwent months of radiation. That fall, the prostate cancer progressed and was removed in October. In December, the neck cancer metastasized, requiring removal of a ping-pong-ball-sized tumor. The following day, a CT scan revealed stage 2 pancreatic cancer. Though devastated, he remained unwavering in his faith.

He bravely endured chemotherapy throughout 2024, and by year’s end the cancer appeared to be under control. Sadly, this was short-lived. In October 2025, the pancreatic cancer progressed to stage 3, then stage 4 in November as it spread to his liver. By December, it had moved into his abdomen and stomach lining.

Through every trial, he fought valiantly- never complaining, always trusting that if the Lord willed, he would be healed. His faith, conviction, and deep love for his family sustained him. He continued to do what he loved most- driving his Toyota 4-Runner, especially the cherished trips from Logan to Laramie, Wyoming, on his way to Colorado.

In 2023, Jim and Quila built their dream home in North Logan, Utah. Jim often said he had to pinch himself as he took in the view each morning, so grateful for the home they had designed together. He was especially proud of the exterior landscaping and spent summer evenings on the back porch, watching the sunset.

Jim gave more than 100% in everything he did- his family, his work, his service, and his faith. He never committed to anything unless he was willing to give it his all.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Quila Buhler; his daughters, Jessica Maughan and her husband, James, and Stephanie Bates and her husband, Daniel; and his cherished grandchildren, Andie, Macy, Jimmy, Joelle, Duke, Jordyn, and Josie; as well as his sister, Becky Gasso. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Pauline Buhler, and his brothers, Stanley Buhler and Ric Buhler.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Logan Regional Hospital for their compassionate care, and all who offered love and support during his continued battle with multiple cancers.

An evening viewing will be held on Friday, January 23 from 5:00- 7:00 pm at Allen Mortuary located at 420 East 1800 North; North Logan, Utah 84341.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Green Canyon Stake Center, 1850 North 400 East, North Logan, Utah 84341. Viewing will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Private interment will follow at North Logan City Cemetery.

His love for his family was the center of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Forever in our hearts, Jim’s legacy of faith, forgiveness, and love will live on.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com