IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIE JOSEPH BUCHANAN
Willie Joseph (Joe Joe) Buchanan was born on February 10th 1964 in Seattle Washington to the union of Jo Ann & James Buchanan. He was a brother to two siblings, Anthony and Jim Buchanan.
In Joe’s youth he attended Kings Garden until his Junior year when he transferred to O’dea High school.
At Odea, Joe earned six varsity letters in three sports (football, basketball and baseball), despite only attending O’Dea for two years. He was a three-sport captain and won All-League/ All American Honors in football and basketball. As a senior (with basketball as his point of interest) Joe averaged 21.5 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists per game, collecting numerous individual awards, including being the first high school basketball player from the state of Washington to be named a McDonald All-American. Joe’s senior year sports illustrated named Joe as the #1 high school athlete in the nation.
He accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame where he played for two years. After Joe’s sophomore year he transferred to U.C. Irvine and graduated with a degree in political science in 1987. Throughout Joe’s education, he was always a honor student.
After graduating, Joe served as the local coordinator for the Goodwill Games in 1990. He also served as the USA Olympic Director for the men’s basketball program from 1990 to 1995. Joe played a instrumental roll in
developing the dream team. After USA Basketball, Joe started his coaching and training business. He coached at youth agencies, also at his alma mater O’dea high school.
Because of popular demand, Joe started training youth individually on developing their basketball and life skills. He trained and mentored hundreds of youth over the years and was instrumental of the success that Washington state experiences today on being one of the top states on producing NBA players.
Joe was extremely brilliant, talented, loving, giving, and intellectual. He had a deep love for God, family and friends, while taking all of his relationships very seriously. He has been a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church since the age four.
On March 22nd Joe received his wings. He was preceded in death by father James Buchanan and brother Anthony Buchanan, who we’re sure greeted him at the gate. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his mother Jo Ann Buchanan, brother Jim Buchanan, nephews Anthony & Leland Buchanan, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and lots of cousins.
Joe loved the Lord with all his heart and is definitely sitting at the right hand of God. He will be deeply missed and there is a huge hole on earth without him . Can’t wait to see you again Joe, We Love you. Joe
The celebration of Joe’s life will be Saturday 4/8 11am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1634 19th ave seattle wa 98122. Immediately following the funeral is the burial at Evergreen Washelli.
Public Viewing Friday 4/7, 10am-5pm evergreen Washelli 11111 Aurora Ave, North Seattle Wa 98133
The repast has been canceled based on Covid.
