James William Buckley

Jim Buckley was born in Spokane on April 4, 1933, to Coach Archie M. and Mary Maude (Hungate) Buckley. Archie enlisted in the navy during World War II, so Mary moved Jim and his little sister Betty to live with family in California. Jim grew up quickly when his father was killed in action in 1945, and from then on never stopped taking care of his mother and sister.

The family moved back to Spokane after the war. Jim graduated from North Central High School in 1951, and then attended Washington State University (Kappa Sigma fraternity) for three years before entering in the army in 1954. After a two year service with the Army Security Agency in Hawaii, Jim was honorably discharged with both National Defense and Good Conduct medals. He returned home and married Ann Hedger in September, 1956. He finished his education at Eastern Washington University (BA in Econ & Business) then Whitworth College (B. Ed.) and followed in his parents footsteps becoming a teacher. Jim took a position teaching algebra and geometry at Rogers High School in 1959, where he also coached tennis and led photography. He remained at Rogers his entire professional career, until his retirement in 1988.

Jim was the ultimate family man, supporting and raising his family while enjoying many different aspects of life. For entertainment, he enjoyed all types of sports on television as well as local events such as hockey and high school basketball at the old Coliseum. He was an avid reader -- mystery/suspense novels were his favorite, but he read all kinds of books from humor to Tolkien. In later years he liked mental exercises such as trivia (Jeopardy) and Sudoku puzzles. He was fortunate to share most of his interests with his wife Ann.

Jim’s life was enriched by spending a lifetime of summers at Priest Lake, Idaho -- as a child with his parents, and later with his wife and kids. He enjoyed both fun family time in the summers and quiet time fishing in autumns. He never stopped contributing to the lake community and always worked to make it a special place for his family.

Jim had been a member of the Elks Lodge, and later the Moose Lodge. He served his profession as a Spokane Education Association representative for School District 81. He wasn’t afraid to step up when he was needed.

Jim was intelligent, practical, thrifty, generous, considerate, and had an extraordinary sense of humor. He was always busy with numerous projects and fixing things, yet always willing to stop and help others.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Buckley, his sons Douglas, David, and Derek (wife Davianne), step-grandson Andrew Williams, and sister Betty Swift.

Jim requested no service be held. Donations in his honor can be made to the American Cancer Society or any charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank Cancer Care Northwest, Love at Home Senior Care, The North Central Care Center, and Hospice of Spokane’s Hospice House North for all their efforts.