The Honorable James Stephen Buis passed away at home, with family, on August 29, 2024, at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer. Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judith Garrett Buis; his son, Major John Errett Buis, USMC, Megan Stidham Buis; Judy’s daughters, Rita Morgan Stocks (Sam) and Mary Anne Casey; his seven beloved grandchildren, Benjamin Thomas Casey, Morgan Aiden Casey, Samuel Mason Stocks, Berkley Noland Stocks, Katherine Ward Stocks, Erin Connolly Buis, and Clara Vawter Buis (of whom he was enormously proud). Steve is also survived by his sister, Gretchen Lynn Buis; nephew, Hamill Dice Jones III (Susanna), and niece, Windsor Jones Betts. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Lester James Buis, M.D., and Isabel Connolly Buis, and his son, SPC James Vawter Buis, USA.
Steve was a man of conviction, honor, and determination. As a proud native Virginian, he spent most of his life in Richmond. He graduated from St. Christopher’s School in 1963, where he was an outstanding student and three-sport varsity athlete, nicknamed “Radar” for his ability to catch any football, despite his very thick glasses. He went on to graduate from the Virginia Military Institute in 1967. Post graduation, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his military service, Steve obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond in 1973, followed by his Master of Laws degree from Southern Methodist University in 1974.
He began his private law practice in 1974 with the Richmond law firm of Taylor, Hazen and Kauffman. He later practiced many years with the Richmond law firm of Spotts Fain. In 2001, he was appointed as a judge to the 13th Judicial Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court where he served with dedication, compassion, and commitment until shortly before his death.
Steve and Judy moved to Mathews County in 2004 where Steve quickly became a widely loved and respected “come here,” an affectionate term for those who find their way to the love for the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Steve was happiest spending his time with family and friends and his beloved dogs. He also loved hunting, roaming the woods (or anywhere else for that matter), spending time on the water, puttering in his workshop, and passing the hours as a voracious reader.
Steve took a sincere interest in everyone he met, especially young people. He was always eager to engage with and learn from others, having never met a person with whom he could not comfortably engage.
We would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who provided him with such loving attention during these difficult years—with particular thanks to the staff at the Virginia Cancer Institute.
If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please honor Steve with a donation to St. Christopher’s School, The Steward School, or the Virginia Military Institute.
Services were held Wednesday, September 4 at 11 o’clock at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, followed by a reception at The Country Club of Virginia.