James E. “Jim” Buckley

James E. (Jim) Buckley, known to his friends as Buck, passed away Sunday, September 25, 2016 at the age of 83.

Buckley was the son of William J. and Lillian Leicht Buckley, born Sept. 20, 1933 in Marshfield, Wisc. He attended Marquette University and graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1956.

He married his sweetheart, Joyce Birkholz in December 1956 and embarked on a journey to Oklahoma to work on his Masters in Chemistry at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. They were married 56 years until her death in 2014.

Upon graduation, he accepted a Chemist position with Monsanto Chemicals, first at the Queeny Plant in St. Louis and then in 1967 came on opportunity at Barton Plant in Luling, to design, build, equip, staff and start a research lab. It was a dream come true.

He worked for Monsanto 36 years and enjoyed what he did everyday and the people he came in contact with. Jim was a Third degree Knight of Columbus at KC Council 2409 Luling, La from 1970 until his passing. He was past Grand Knight and held State position of Deputy Secretary.

He was a longtime parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church in Luling. He participated in Senior Olympics through the KC and traveled the state and country competing. Jim loved South Louisiana, the weather,food, music, but mostly the good people.

Once he moved to Luling in 1967, he said that this was where he was meant to be and this is the place he spent the remainder of his life, raising his family and making the best friends in the World. Jim was an avid sports enthusiast.

He enjoyed playing tennis, golf, horseshoes, fishing with his sons, bowling and playing cards with friends. He had a real love for New Orleans jazz and he attended most music events in town. Weekends were spent at Preservation Hall, concerts in the park, and many years ago, Tyler’s Beer Garden. He never missed a Jazz Fest or French Quarter Festival and encouraged all his out of state friends to come spend time in NOLA.

Buckley thrived on introducing and exposing others to jazz music and tapping his feet to good music just made him happy. He always made time for people and enjoyed conversation with friends and strangers he’d meet during his day.

He loved Mardi Gras just like a kid and he never tired of it. One of his fondest memories was riding in the Krewe of Ferret. He was in his glory come Mardi Gras day as we arrived early to set up our area on St. Charles where we had for 20+ years and then he could mingle with neighbors, friends, and strangers all day while drinking his bloody mary.

He had a great life. He lived everyday to the fullest and always had a smile and funny story to share. He is survived by his three children, Mark Buckley (Tina) of Baton Rouge, Kathleen Hopper (Richard) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Michael Buckley of Keller, Texas,; five grandchildren, Jonathan Clark, Richard Hopper, Rachel Hopper, Nicholas Buckley, Christopher Buckley and one great-grandson, Nolan Clark.His energy, sense of humor and helpful nature will be remembered forever by all those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Luling. A reception will follow at the Hall at St. Anthony of Padua, also in Luling.

In lieu of flowers, raise your glass and remember his life.