James "Jim" L. Buckner

LTC (Ret.) James "Jim" L. Buckner, died in Fayetteville, Ark. on July 22, 2018 at the age of 81. James is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda Ridgeway Buckner, son James L. Buckner, Jr. and wife Freda of Sand Springs, OK and son Matthew D. Buckner and wife Amy of Fayetteville, AR, seven grandchildren, two great grandsons, brothers Luther Buckner and Wordy Buckner and his sister Dottie Clark. He is preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Buckner Thomas, grandson Micah Thomas and sister Martha Arrington. Jim was born on May 29, 1937 in Many, Louisiana to John and Dorothy Buckner. He graduated from Crossett High School in 1955, Ouachita Baptist in 1959 and later during his military career earned a Master's degree at LSU. He married his Ouachita cheerleading partner, Linda, in 1957 and after graduation was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Officer and began his 24-year military career. After serving several stateside and overseas assignments, he went to Viet Nam 1966-67 with the 1st Cavalry Division. He returned to Viet Nam in 1969 where he served with the US Army 5th Special Forces Group. He again returned to Southeast Asia in 1973-74 as Deputy Commander Special Forces Thailand. Upon returning home he served in Intelligence at Fort Meade Maryland with his final assignment as Professor of Military Science at the University of Arkansas from 1978 until his retirement from the Army in 1982. During his active service Jim received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star with "V" with five Oak Clusters, the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and several other decorations. He proudly wore his Combat Infantryman's badge, Airborne Wings, Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. Jim's civilian life included positions at the AIDC, TCBY, University of Arkansas, Abilities Unlimited and Shakes Frozen Custard. He was active in Fayetteville Downtown Rotary for many years, serving as President and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow. He volunteered at the Fayetteville VA and was Commander of the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 460. Jim and Linda were fund raisers for the ALS association and Casa Aleluya in Guatemala. Jim loved his church and music. He attended Cross Church, Springdale, taught Sunday school, sang in a quartet and enjoyed leading choir at Butterfield Trail Village. A funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday July 27 at Nelson Berna Funeral Home with visitation at 11:30 a.m. Burial at Fayetteville National Cemetery with full military honors following service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Casa Aleluya in Guatemala (www.casaaleluya.org). To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.