Ask anyone who knew Jim Buckley and what they remember most is his quick wit, kindness, quiet intelligence and playful spirit. He loved life, and it could easily be said that he did more living in his lifetime than most of us could do in many.
Jim was born in Marion, Ohio on April 24, 1944 to Patricia and Donald Buckley (who was killed in WWII just before Jim was born). They also had another son, Jim’s older brother John. Patricia later married Robert Buckley and they moved her young sons to Oregon in 1950. They then had two daughters, Margaret and Barbara, and Jim took on the role of a loving big brother.
Jim’s mother Pat was a tremendous influence on his life. He inherited his intelligence, love of science and wonder of nature from her. He attended Corvallis High School where he met his beloved wife Dorothy. Immediately following graduation, he served in the National Guard.
When he returned, he enrolled in Oregon State University and he and Dorothy married. The young couple faced many challenges and opportunities together, which served as the basis of their deep, lifelong love and partnership. During this busy time, he and Dorothy, who was also studying at OSU, had two daughters, Becky and Darcie.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in entomology at OSU and began his career at Lincoln County Public Health Department. He later returned to OSU to earn his master’s degree in biology with a minor secondary education.
He taught high school biology in Salem and ultimately moved to the environmental health field. He worked for Washington County Public Health and held multiple positions with Oregon’s Public Health Department. For the remainder of his career he was the Environmental Health supervisor in Clackamas County. During that time, he was honored with Oregon’s Sanitarian of the Year award. Jim’s integrity and deep desire to help others made him a well-respected colleague.
But it was Jim’s fun-loving personality, his sense of humor, contagious laugh, tireless energy and kindhearted teasing that made all who knew him grow to love him. He loved his family and it always showed. He was a kid at heart: adventurous, silly and playful. He sang as he worked around the house (altering many a lyric), belted out his favorite rock and roll tunes and made everyone laugh with his various antics.
Yet Jim was an incredibly hard worker, responsible and reliable. He was always humble, and could amaze with his knowledge and ability to figure out or fix just about anything. He loved music, nature, pets, the outdoors, fishing, hiking, birding, camping, biking, running, playing basketball and softball, skiing and traveling. His favorite trip was to the Galapagos Islands with his wife. Jim was constantly curious and a life-long learner, earning his pilot’s license at a young age, taking up dragon boating, pottery, photography, cooking and the ukulele. He fixed cars, became a skilled woodworker, and worked tirelessly on his golf game. He also supported numerous environmental causes and volunteered for Forest Park Conservancy, Sunshine Pantry, and Meals on Wheels.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Becky Gardner (Tim) and Darcie Meihoff (John); sisters, Barbara and Margaret; and his grandchildren Josh and Jess.
Jim was a joyful spirit who cared deeply and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to others. Jim will be forever missed and kept in the hearts of all who loved him. He was irreplaceable.
In honor of his life, donations can be made to the Audubon Society, Forest Park Conservancy, or Oregon Wild. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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