Jim Buck was a graduate of John Rundle High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Mississippi.

Coach Aven enjoyed 49 years of teaching and coaching at Oakland, Mathiston, North Panola, Lafayette, Independence, Kirk Academy, Charleston and Strider Academy. 

He was an avid hunter and a devout Mississippi State fan.  Jim Buck will certainly be remembered as an influential person in the lives of many students that he impacted over nearly five decades in education.  

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Fay Aven; three daughters, Christie Tassin(Roger) of Holcomb, Suzanne Angle(Josh) of Grenada and Lisa Williams(Jerry) of Holcomb; one brother, John Allen Aven of Tulsa, OK; six grandchildren, Matthew Tassin(Laurie), Megan Clark(Ricky), Mallory Pounds(Drew), Blake Williams(Tori), Tyler Angle(Claire) and Brandon Williams; and three great-grandchildren, Aven Clark, Quitman Pounds and Mari Allen Tassin.

Pallbearers will be Chipper Calhoon, Stephen Crenshaw, Daryl Grantham, Mike Harper, Jason Little, David McElwrath, Ron Selby and Dr. Keith Stanford.