James Clarence Buckman, Sr., 93, originally from Fancy Farm, Kentucky, passed away July 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born June 7, 1930, to Charles Irvin Buckman and his beautiful wife, Margarete Hayden Buckman.

J.C., as he was known in Kentucky,  was the first born of four children—Charles Ernest, Shirley Francis and Virginia Marie—each of whom preceded him in death.  He left school early to assist his family during the Depression.  In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army.  He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and achieved the rank of Corporal.  In 1951, he was deployed to Korea with the Third Infantry Division.  He served honorably and was discharged early in 1953.  Soon after, he met his future wife, Geneva Jane Elliott.  They fell deeply in love and were married on June 27, 1953.  Together they raised six children—Margaret Anne (Peggy), James Clarence Jr., Stephen Bernard, Mary Carol, Elizabeth Anne, and Jane Martina.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Peggy.

Buck, as he was known by many, was a hardworking man; mainly a construction worker, he also drove an ambulance and a taxicab.  He did whatever it took to take care of his family.

Jim, as he was known to his closest friends, was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Therese's since 1964; he made many friends there.  He was very concerned with helping his fellow man.  It began simply with cleaning the church.  It soon evolved into collecting food for Oasis, spending nights with the homeless in shelters, and coordinating with the Justice and Peace Movement at St. Therese's.  Eventually he started the Norton Ministry, which collects supplies and donations for the poorest part of Southwestern Virginia.  Jim and Geneva won a News Channel 3 Community Star for their outstanding community service in Hampton Roads.

Above all, Daddy will be known as a family man.  He went out of his way to assist any family member who needed his help, and what a family he and mama built—six kids, 18 grandkids, 25 great-grandkids with 1 on the way, and 1 great-great grandchild.  Most humans never get to meet a great-great grandchild.  God blessed him with that.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 34 Afton Pkwy., Portsmouth, followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Angels Catholic Church Restoration Fund, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA 23703. Following the burial, there will be a reception at Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.