James Buford Hamilton Jr., 57, of Faribault, formerly of Owatonna, died Friday, August 20, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester. He was born September 14, 1952 in Rochester, Minnesota the son of James Buford Sr. and Helen (Peek) Hamilton. He was raised and attended school in Owatonna graduating with the Class of 1972. He then attended Mankato State University receiving his degree in Parks and Recreation. James continued on with his career working with the National Park Service in the Chattahoochee National Park in Georgia. He returned to Owatonna in 1997 and worked various jobs. Buford, as his friends called him, loved outdoor life and his hunting dogs. As a teenager he walked the railroad tracks and fields around Owatonna with Dixie Belle, the family Springer Spaniel, hunting pheasants and rabbits. He enjoyed duck hunts with his father at Lake Freeborn and Rice Lake in his childhood years. His whole adult life, Buf, enjoyed annual waterfowl and pheasant hunting trips with friends, his son, Keith and his dogs. He loved music and played in several local rock bands. He was an accomplished drummer and guitarist and jammed with many local musicians. He loved his family and enjoyed family reunions. Buf was a true friend and positive energy to everyone he met. He was always first in line to lend a hand to anyone in need and asked nothing but friendship in return. His friendship was a joy to all that knew him. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He is survived by a son, Keith Hamilton of Owatonna; three sisters, Mary Helen (and Ray) Hamilton Pelton of Deer River; Jackie Hamilton DiGennaro of Sitka, Alaska; sister, Kathryn Hamilton of Grand Rapids; Keith''s mother, Lori Beadell of Owatonna; lifelong and good friend, Lauren Aase of Owatonna; nieces and nephews, Jason, Casey and JoAnna DiGennaro, Dawn Malene, Jill Glover and Gene Pelton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 6:00 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. Visitation: 08/25/2010 17:00 08/25/2010 18:00 Service: 08/25/2010 18:00