Father Samuel James Buchholz, a faithful priest of the Diocese of Raleigh for 24 years, passed away September 13, 2025 at his home in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the same town where he was born. He was 68.
Jim was born January 8, 1957 to Helen and John Buchholz, Sr. and grew up alongside his seven siblings. A graduate of Pinecrest High School, Jim was a State High School wrestling champion his junior year. He attended college at N.C. State University and Sandhills Community College before earning a master’s degree at Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo, New York. He was ordained to the priesthood June 2, 2001, the day before Pentecost Sunday, at St. Thomas More Church in Chapel Hill.
He leaves behind many friends and family members who loved him dearly, including his siblings and their spouses, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, many of whom were married or baptized by the man they lovingly called “Father Uncle Jimmy.”
Father Jim served Catholic parishes and schools throughout eastern North Carolina, including Annunciation (Havelock), St. Peter (Greenville), St. Katharine Drexel (Maple) and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Rocky Mount). His first priestly assignment was to St. Mark in Wilmington. His longest assignment was to Holy Family in Elizabeth City, where he served for 12 years and helped to build a center for parish life, an addition which included a basketball court and classrooms.
Father Jim brought such joy to life. Known for his humility and brevity in speech, his enormous capacity to love and serve others led him to ministry. Father Jim encouraged the vocations of others by the way he lived his life.
Tall in stature, he was often described as a gentle giant. That gentleness did not hinder him at the card table or on a golf course, where he was known to excel. Father Jim had a somewhat gruff voice, too, but its deep sound didn’t change the way he was seen by others as caring and quietly helpful.
He enjoyed early mornings, cooking, sports and being a fan of the N.C. State Wolfpack.
A visitation will be held Thursday, September 18 from 6 – 9 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines; Monsignor John Williams will preside. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, September 19 at 2 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama will preside and Father Nick Cottrill will offer the homily.
The funeral will be followed by a grave-side burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Priest Retirement Fund of the Raleigh Catholic Diocese.
Mass cards and condolences may be sent to The Buchholz Family at 638 Redwood Dr., Southern Pines, NC 28387.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in memory of Fr. Jim Buchholz to the Diocese of Raleigh for Priest Welfare and Retirement.