Jerry Joe Buckley

Jerry Joe Buckley was born May 18, 1935 to Elmer and Esther (Nikkel) Buckley in Oklahoma, and moved as an infant to Long Beach. A year later, his brother William was born and the following year, his father passed away. Esther and the boys joined other family in Reedley, and within a few years John Pankratz became the boys step-father. The birth of their siblings, Roger and Patsy completed the family.

In 1955, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Joyce Kopitzke. They raised three children, and last year celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Jerry was fond of cars and motorcycles, and worked in the auto parts business in Reedley for many years at Smith Auto Parts, Cornforth (Ford Tractor), and Penner Bros.

Jerry loved fishing, camping, watching sports, and visits to the donut shop, he is remembered as a man of faith, and for his generosity, always being optimistic, a person of amazing work ethic, a loving husband, and caring dad, grandpa, and ‘Old Papa’ to the great-grandkids.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Joyce, son Rod (Bev), daughters Debbie Reed (Jeff), Kim Bergen (Rick), brothers Will and Roger, grandchildren Erin, Laura, Alison, Amanda, Mitch, Kendra, Ross, and Spouses, and eight great-grandchildren.

No services will be held.