Virginia "Jill" Buck

Virginia “Jill” Buck was born on Valentine’s Day, 1927, and finished 90 years of loving life on July 4th, 2017. She grew up in Ohio; grew professionally in Algonac, Michigan; and grew old and wise in Grand Junction, Colorado. Jill was a friend to anyone she met and never a stranger for long. That included when she met Rev. Allan E. Buck in Ohio, and she said yes when he asked her to marry him on their 1st date. That love lasted 67 years until Pastor Buck proceeded her in death on April 11, 2015.

Jill was a beloved pastor’s wife at Algonac Baptist Church in Michigan for 39 years. She taught young people and adults for all those years, and was like a mother to many and a friend to everyone.

Allan and Jill had three children: Bradford Thomas, Martin Wayne, and Janeen Joy. Bradford was killed on April 27, 1975, in service with the U.S. Navy. He was killed by an Eritrean radical and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery.

Marty lives in Bakersfield, CA with his wife, Crystal, and their children Megan Bolender and Austin Allan Buck.

Janeen lives in Helper, UT, with her husband, Paul Quilter. Her 3 children: Joshua, Chelsea, and Whitney Roseberry live in Grand Junction, CO.

Allan and Jill are blessed with 6 great-grandchildren.

Jill worked as an expert seamstress during those early years in Algonac. She was asked to teach a sewing class and her teaching talent was discovered. The school superintendent challenged her to finish her college degree. When she graduated from Eastern Michigan University she was hired as an English teacher, where she excelled for 20 years. She taught life along with English and was regularly voted among the top teachers at Algonac High School.

After retiring Allan & Jill moved to Grand Junction, CO. It wasn’t long before they found a home at Fellowship Church. Not surprisingly, her love for people and a life of serving God and teaching was re-discovered. She worked at Fellowship Church for 24 years as a Christian counselor; sharing with so many her knowledge of Scripture, love for people, and the wisdom of a life well-lived.

While Jill will be missed, her love lives on through family and friends. Jill’s was a life lived with Christ--and it showed. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, July 10, 11:00AM, at Fellowship Church in Grand Junction, CO.