Obituary: Patrick James Buckley
Author: Family of Patrick James Buckley
Patrick James Buckley
Family of Patrick James Buckley
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 at 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 Vietnam 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 was always looking for new challenges which created a long list of employment opportunities: 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 manufacturer 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, and although not a licensed plumber he was awarded the “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, and golfer and loved to cook. At his restaurant in Townsend, he created Four Star menus 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 could rival Frank Sinatra’s. He had a winning smile, a sense of humor, and a can-do attitude. He was very generous with his love, time and money. If someone needed anything, he was there.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, brother Gordon, daughter Debbra Ann, and stepson Chad Allan Graveley. He is survived by his 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; Grandson Zack (Jill) and great-granddaughter, Riley, Graveley, Thornton, CO.
Service will be held at SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church on Friday, December 1st. 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. There will also be a celebration presentation of Buck’s amazing life. 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. Please visit https://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Buck.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Family of Patrick James Buckley
Image 1 Caption: Patrick James Buckley
Photo Credits: Family of Patrick James Buckley
