James William Buckley

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that James William Buckley, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud U.S. military veteran, passed away peacefully and entered eternal life on March 3, 2026, in Simi Valley, California. He was 99 years old. James lived a long and full life spanning nearly a century.

James William was born on August 13, 1926, in Hopkins, Kentucky to his parents Otho Jackson (OJ) Buckley, and Amy Vera Polk, who is a descendant of James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States and has a beloved sister, Betty Joyce Buckley Houchins.  In 1933, when James was only four years old and his sister Betty was six years old, tragedy stuck James and Betty as their mother Amy Vera was killed in a car accident. This impacted both his life and his sister’s life as James and Betty spent their early childhood years, growing up during the depression, living with their many Aunts and Uncles and moving around the states of Kentucky and Ohio, especially around the area of Cleveland, Ohio. When James was twelve years old he was burned on the right side of his upper body when lighting a stove for his uncle. James graduated from high school in Kentucky in 1944. He held various jobs after high school working in Cleveland, Ohio and enjoying life. In April 1946, his beloved Cleveland Browns were established as a professional football team after the Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles. A devoted fan of football, James had an enduring passion for the Cleveland Browns. His unwavering support for the team was a hallmark of his life, and he took great joy in following their games throughout the years. His love for football and the Browns brought him countless moments of excitement and connection with others who shared his enthusiasm, including taking multiple trips with his son James to watch his Cleveland Browns play and even being a season ticket holder while living in California! His deep connection to his family and relatives in Kentucky and Ohio remained with him throughout his life, as he cherished fishing in Kentucky and visiting his sister Betty and her family there.

In May 1951, James enlisted in the U.S. Army, embarking on a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades. During his service, James fought in the Korean War and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), E-7. He was a member of the US Army Air Defense Artillery (ADA) unit and played a critical role in operating Nike/Hercules anti-ballistic missiles (ABM). His dedication and patriotism to his country was unwavering and left an indelible mark on those who served alongside him.

In July 1956, James William married Jean Marilyn Nestor at Saint Rose Catholic Church in Detroit, MI. James and Jean had four children: Annette Amy born in Oct 1957 in Detroit, MI, Jacquelyn Ann born in Jan 1959 in Berea, OH, James Lawrence born in Oct 1962 in Dearborn, MI, and Joyce Marie Buckley born in May 1965 in Wertheim, Germany. During the years of 1956 – 1971, being in the military James and his family moved around a lot living in Detroit, MI; Berea, OH; Detroit, MI; Military Apartment housing in Wertheim, Germany; and Mahwah, New Jersey. In 1969-1970, James’ family moved back to Detroit, MI while James was stationed in Korea. James and his family moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1970 and then moved to Simi Valley, CA in June 1971.

James William retired from the military in June 1972, after having served 22 years in the military, and bought a home in Simi Valley where he remained for almost fifty-four years until his final passing.  After retiring from the military, James went to work for a few years working for Kenrose, which was a business janitorial cleaning service. James then went to work for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) where he worked for almost fifteen years until retiring from the RSRPD in 1988. James pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Moorpark College in June 1981. His commitment to learning and personal growth was evident throughout his life. In his retirement years, James loved traveling the world, being with his family and friends, and visiting his sister and her family in Kentucky.

James was married to Jean Marilyn Nestor for 39 wonderful years until her passing in April 1996. Together they built a loving family that brought him immense joy and pride.  He is survived by his daughter Annette Amy Salsman of Simi Valley, and his son, James L. Buckley and daughter in-law Yolanda Rosina Buckley, and granddaughters Shannon Rosina Sohn (32) of Simi Valley, CA, married to Ryan Sohn; Mariya Jean Buckley (30) of McCall, ID, engaged to Alex McDonnell; Alana Christina Buckley (27) of Simi Valley, CA, engaged to Jack Greene; Granddaughter Jeannette Sisto (Hann), married to Josiah Sisto of North Hollywood; and Ben Hann (36) of Simi Valley. James leaves behind many cherished memories with extended family members and friends.

James Wiliam was predeceased by his wife Jean Marilyn Nestor who passed in April 1996; daughter Jacquelynn Ann Hann who passed in July 2014, sister Betty Joyce Buckley Houchins who passed in March 2021, and daughter Joyce Marie Buckley who passed in March 2023. A man of faith and community spirit, James was an active member of the Methodist Church. His love for life extended beyond family and faith, as he found great joy in fishing trips to Kentucky and cheering passionately for the Cleveland Browns as one of their most dedicated fans. James’s legacy as a great husband, father, grandfather, soldier, and friend will forever be remembered by those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who mourn his loss.

A Committal service will be held on Friday, April 17, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Assumption Cemetery, 1380 Fitzgerald Rd, Simi Valley, CA. A celebration of life and reception will follow at the home of James & Yolanda Buckley.

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