On November 18, 2023 the good Lord extended His hand to Patrick James (Jim) Buckley AKA Buck and asked if he was ready to go on his last adventure. Buck said yes! And so, he left his earthy home of Serenity Point in Townsend, Montana for his Heavenly home.
Buck was born in Massena, New York on January 24, 1944 to Patrick and Wynona Buckley and raised in Saranac Lake, NY where he attended primary school. After graduating high school in 1962 from Mount Assumption Institute (MAI) in Plattsburgh, NY, he enlisted in the Navy subsequently becoming a “Bubble Head” serving on the Submarine USS Trutta SS-421 during the Viet Nam War until 1966. He said he was in Guantanamo Bay, when Kennedy and Khrushchev went toe to toe during the “Cold War.” He is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal Award.
After exiting the Navy Buck began a long string of employments, always looking for a new challenge. He was a lineman for Southern CAL Phone company: Sales/Marketing Manager for Bio Dynamics, Inc. CA: Owner and General Manager of Town & Country Chevrolet, Townsend, MT: Sales/Marketing Manager for Newport Instruments, Inc. Newport Beach, CA: Marketing Manager & Sales Engineer for Climatron, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA: Co-founder of I.D.M.A. (It Doesn’t Mean Anything) a specialty manufacture of energy management hardware and software for buildings and utility industries: JWP, Long Beach, CA: Owner and Operator of Deep Creek Restaurant, Townsend, MT: Energy Management Engineer for the State of Alaska and Chugach Electric, Anchorage Alaska: President/CEO of Energy Alternatives, Palmer, Alaska. His last challenge was building our home in Newport, WA. He did all the plumbing, although not a licensed plumber was awarded the “all thumbs up” by a very thorough and professional building inspector.
He always said he was the Jack of All Trades and Master of None! However, he was very intelligent and successful at what he “didn’t” master. He was an amazing salesman; he could sell ice to an Eskimo. His career extended from being a Salesman; Certified Energy Manager; Purveyor of Fine Food and Libations; and, Licensed to Perform Marriages and all Sorts of Mischief.
Buck loved to drive fast; racing go carts when he was young, graduating to dune buggies, motorcycles, and snowmachines. He was an avid reader, golfer and loved to cook. At his restaurant in Townsend, he create Four Star menu’s for wine tastings. After meeting the love of his life and soulmate, Sheila Quigley, he decided to hang up his cooking utensils and move to Palmer, Alaska to start a new life.
Buck will be remembered for his zest for life; living to the fullest and not letting grass grow under his feet. His beautiful, warm and loving blue eyes with a hint of the Irish devilment and could rival Frank Sinatra’s. He had a winning smile, sense of humor, and can-do attitude. He was very generous with his love, time and money. If someone needed anything, he was there.
He is proceeded in death by his father and mother, brother Gordon, daughter Debbra Ann, and step son Chad Allan Graveley. He is survived by wife Sheila Quigley, Helena, MT; son Patrick and Grandson Van Buckley and adopted daughter Czarina Muro Holleyer, Phoenix, AZ; stepson Ken Graveley and Grandson C.J (Cori) Graveley, Townsend, MT and Grandson Zack (Jill) and great grand daughter, Riley, Graveley, Thornton,CO.
Service will be held at SS. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church on Friday, December 1. Rosary at 11:30 with funeral mass to follow at 12 noon. A luncheon will be served immediately following the services in the church basement. Internment will be in Avon, Montana on Saturday for family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to God’s Love in Helena, MT in Patrick Buckley’s name.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 1, 2023
Ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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