Community Leaders Share Sentiments about Former Urban League President, CEO James Buford

Funeral arrangements are pending for former Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO James Buford, 75, who died on Friday after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Susan, two sons, James Jr. and Jim, and close family and friends.

Buford led the Urban League for 28 years, growing it into one of the most impactful socioeconomic organizations in the country, and did so with a strategy of diverse community and corporate collaborations that continue to drive the organization’s core mission: to better the lives of African Americans through civil rights and advocacy.

Community leaders have been sharing their sentiments about Buford and his legacy.

Distinguished civil rights advocate and long time @ulstl President Jim Buford being remembered today as a strong leader of change in our community.

Firm – Collaborative – Nice – Citizen of the Year – We will miss Jim, his warm smile, & seeing his distinguished bowties. RIP Jim pic.twitter.com/IpFTIBnNL3
— Mayor Lyda Krewson (@LydaKrewson) November 29, 2019

“Jim Buford transformed the St. Louis Urban League. He brought a level of political savvy to the agency,”
“He was above all a firm believer that poverty was the root of most of the problems that faced the black community.” https://t.co/xoEMgFtNvD
— Virvus Jones (@VirvusJ) November 29, 2019

THIS JUST TOOK MY BREATH AWAY.
I loved Jim Buford. He was a wise, gentle, compassionate soul. He saw everyone.
I was not his intimate friend. But every time I saw him. He made me feel as though I was. My prayers are with his family at this time. A… https://t.co/SkMf9hYiWV
— Traci Blackmon (@pastortraci) November 29, 2019

34 years of friendship. Jim gave me my first 8-5 out of college and shared his wisdom and sense of communal responsibility. He was the man who introduced me to bow ties. Every time we crossed paths I was obligated to say thank you. Prayers for his family. https://t.co/AHJZ2DE99e
— Earl S. (@Earlgs2) November 29, 2019

Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim Buford – – a friend and great community leader.
— flint (@flintfowler) November 29, 2019

Sorry to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend Jim Buford, who mentored so many in so many ways. Please keep his lovely wife Susan and family in your prayers. https://t.co/tGMqPHMcT4
— Alonzo Byrd (@abyrdjr) November 29, 2019