In Memory Of J. F. Buckley

Jim was never a student of mine, but through informal contacts, we began having good conversations.  was so pleased when he finished his dissertation and set off on his professional career.  I was equally distressed when I learned he had cancer, and then that it was terminal.  Through it all, he maintained a positive attitude, and I admire him for that, too.  He made many positive contributions, and we are richer for his presence in our lives.   Sara Garnes, Columbus, OH,  Oct. 17, 2008

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My much loved baby brother, “Nee”, from “Moo” Mary Buckley-Janis (FL) September 18, 2008

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Jim,

I hope you are having some great discussions with Bob and Al right now! I will miss you! (SUNY Fredonia MA friend), Joanne; Silver Creek, NY, Sep 9, 2008

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Jim

Thank you for your knowledge of literature you shared with all your classes. I enjoyed the many discussions and disagreements. I, along with all your students, will miss you. Rest in peace. Irene McWhorter Carmichael; Mansfield, OH, Sep 9, 2008

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Prof. Buckley impacted my life in a positive manner. He gave me encouragement, he empowered me and was generous with his time. Thank you, Prof. Buckley I will always remember you and your “pearls of wisdom.” Maria Smith R.N., BSN, Lucas, OH, Sep 9, 2008

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Mr. Buckley was a great teacher and being a student of his was truly a gift. We have lost a very treasured gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Taryn Riddle, Columbus, OH, Sep 9, 2008

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I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of JF. He was a good man who cared passionately for his students and the GLBT community. He will be missed. Phil Martin (Columbus, OH), September 10, 2008

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Jim had a gift of making people feel good about themselves and just touched them. I worked with Jim at MRC many years ago and looked up to him. I have often thought about him over the years and was deeply sadden when I heard the news of his death. God Bless You Jim, Ken, Jamestown, NY, Sep 10, 2008

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I first met Jim when he enrolled at SUNY Fredonia. He took several of my classes and we worked together on some of his research. He went on for a Ph.D. at Ohio State, and developed his own path for teaching and research at Mansfield. I say this because this is what I came to admire him for: the courage and ability to change course which led to what he loved, teaching and writing on a professional level. I knew him in other words, when he was developing his own life, thoughtfully, sensitively, seeking, but not always sure. And this way of seeking became his strength, an awareness of options, alternatives, different ways of seeing and being which informed his writing and vitalized his life.

Because he is gone I am sad, deeply so. I saved his last letter, opening with “Happy Holidays,” followed by a brief description of his illness and of his family, concluded by a recipe for “The Best Christmas Cake Ever.” As if he were writing his own farewell, in truth and love and humor.

George Sebouhian, Danville, OH, Sep 12, 2008

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Jim Buckley had a shy smile and beautiful eyes. He blushed easily, and when he laughed, his eyes laughed, too. I remember many things from my years at OSU-Mansfield, but “The Jim Buckley Experience” is one that comes to mind often, and usually in a silly way.

I think of Jim when I’m channel-surfing and come across an old John Wayne movie. I hear his voice when I see a Stephen King novel, and I see his face, red from laughing, when I pull out that copy of Moby Dick. I took a class with Jim during which we read that novel, and after countless chapters about every species of whale in the sea, this student was finished. Herman Melville no longer held my interest, and I swore that if I ever taught high school English, I would use that novel as punishment.

I also took Jim’s Literary Criticism class. That was a tougher one. I once found myself stuck while writing a paper; I couldn’t seem to come up with enough words. (Can you believe that one?) In a final act of desperation, I filled one last page with a repeating column of the words, “Less is More”. He gave me an “A”. Just a couple of months ago, I finally watched the movie “Pulp Fiction”, and finally understood what they were all talking about in class: DECONSTRUCTION!

After my father died, Jim and Susan Delagrange took me to lunch one day. I don’t remember the restaurant. I don’t remember the meal, or even the conversation. What I do remember was the feeling I got from being with two people who cared tremendously, and that is what has stayed with me.

Jim Buckley was a warm, wonderful, giving man with a huge heart. I loved him and have missed him since I’ve been away. Jim knows that now, because he is no longer limited to the physical; he’s free. He will be felt in a warm breeze, heard in a child’s laughter, seen in the sunrise.

Phyllis A. Pritchard, North Port, FL Sep 13, 2008