John Lynn Buchanan II, 71, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on January 24, 2023 after a year-long battle with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  John was recognized for his devotion to his family, integrity, and esteemed career in law enforcement.  

John graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism.  He later earned his Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice.

After a 33 year career with the Phoenix Police Department, John retired as an assistant chief in 2007.  He continued his career in law enforcement, with the US Agency of International Development (USAID), in the US Department of State.  As the senior police advisor, John authored, “A Field Guide for USAID Democracy and Governance Officers.”

In 2011, John was chosen to be the deputy director of operations for the US Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP).  There, he was responsible for supervising law enforcement programs in over 30 developing nations. John became the deputy director for the US Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), in 2013. In 2016, John moved from Virginia back to Arizona. He continued as a senior consultant with federal programs, until retiring in 2021.  

Above all, John enjoyed time spent with his family.  John was a wonderful and loving husband to Barbi, his wife of 39 years, as well as an amazing father to their children, Bryn and John.  He relaxed by water-skiing, hiking, working out, fly fishing, traveling, and reading. He tolerated his wife’s dog Periwinkle. John is survived by his sister Elizabeth Buchanan of South Carolina and predeceased by his parents John Lynn Buchanan I and Stella (West) Buchanan.

A memorial service will be held on February 15, 2023 at 10:00 am at All Saints Lutheran Church (15649 N. 7th Street in Phoenix). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arizona ALS Foundation, in John’s honor.