James Edward Buckley, Sr. (Jimmy), also affectionately known as “Bear”, passed away on January 29, 2022, at the age of 80.
Jimmy was born on January 10, 1942, in Natchitoches, LA to Joseph and Dessie Edwards Buckley. He graduated from Natchitoches High and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, as a maintenance technician, creating a lifelong love of flight. After serving for four years, he returned to Natchitoches to work alongside his father, Joe, in the family meat processing plant.
He later became an electrician, working in the offshore oil industry until his retirement. His offshore career included working in the Gulf of Mexico for many years and afforded him the opportunity to work around the world.
Jimmy loved sharing stories of his work travels, but his true passion involved anything outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or just watching birds, he was at his happiest when he could be outside surrounded by nature.
Jimmy also loved being called on to lend a helping hand to any that needed it. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Men, Jack Branch Hunting Club, ‘BOFA’, and later in life, his McDonald’s coffee group.
Whether known as Jimmy, Pop, Bear, or Pappa, he will be most remembered as a man whose large stature and tough exterior were merely vessels to carry his heart of gold.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dessie Edwards Buckley;
Brothers, Marvin, Roy, and Dick Buckley; sisters, Mary Beth Greeson, Janet Radasinovich, and Carolyn Aldredge; and grandson, Kyle Buckley.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Paula; son, Eddy Buckley and wife Terri of Houston, TX; daughters, Monica Pettiette and partner Ericka of Berkley, MI, and Amy Castleberry and husband Jeff of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Tori Buckley and Meredith Castleberry; great grandchildren, Gabriel and Rowyn; special in-laws, Bettie and John Vaughn; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Carpenter House Shreveport for the compassionate care and comfort they provided during this difficult time.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches.
