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John Edward Buckley

10/27/1950 - 12/21/2017
Service Date: 12/30/2017
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Bunker Family Funeral Home University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive Mesa, Arizona 85213

 

John Edward Buckley, 67, passed away Dec 21, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona from a cardiac issue.

His life is celebrated by his wife, Deborah Buckley; his daughters, Bree and John Crane, Stephanie Buckley; his son, Joshua and Gabriel Buckley; Grandchildren,  Journey Crane, Grace and Renner Buckley ; many family and friends.

Born and raised in Saginaw, MI, the son of Laverne and Mary Buckley.  He graduated from SS. Peter and Paul High School, went to work at Saginaw Steering Gear and retired after 31 years.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

Funeral Service will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85213 , December 30th from 10 am till 12:30pm .  With a showing on the 29th from 6pm till 8pm.   Memorials can be made to Ronald McDonald House or St. Jude’s Children Hospital .

A message from Joshua Buckley:

My father was an amazing man. I have countless wonderful memories with him. From freezing out on the lake during ice fishing season to driving around Michigan while he played roadie and slang merch for the punk band I was in. I remember as a kid playing Nintendo with him. I got to be his navigator, the man with the map, as he rescued princess Zelda or fought monsters in the dungeons of Final Fantasy. I would tell him how to get to the next boss or where the next town to buy potions could be found. Today as a husband and father myself, he will forever be the navigator in life. He showed me what it meant to be a father who always supports his kids as they pursue their passions. To be a father who has fun, laughs, and smiles with his children. To be a husband who doesn’t sweat the small stuff. A husband that helps around the house and can make a mean dinner. A husband who loves his wife and will always be her best friend.

He loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. I hope that my heart can love as much as his.

A message from Bree Crane:

Our dad was such an old soul. Just happy to be in the moment with his family. He didn’t get caught up in the dramas of everyday life. He dealt with things one moment at a time with a kind heart and personality. When you met up with him, his greetings always made you feel awesome. “How’s it goin’ baby? What’s shakin’?” He always did everything he could to make everyone around him happy.

He had an appreciation of good ol’ rock ‘n roll! I remember at a very young age sitting on his lap in a dimly lit room listening to albums. He taught me how to just be. To kick back and enjoy the jams. He introduced me to camping and motorcycles and hanging with good friends and family.

My dad knew how to live it up right. It’s no wonder why it was time for him to move on from this place. He had being a human down and is ready for a new adventure. I love you so much dad. You are an awesome dad, grandpa, husband, and man. May your soul rest in peace.

A message from Stephanie Buckley

My heart is breaking and I miss my daddy so much. We spent lots of time together. Daddy and I would go to the library and he would wait for me while I picked out books and after we would go out to eat. We would go to the movies. I love my daddy. He always took care of me.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 30th 2017 at Bunker Family Funeral University Chapel 3529 East University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29th at the same location.

 

Condolences

  • Linda. Fierstien kutsch

    Sorry sorry to hear of John’s passing. I was his childhood friend. Growing up together in Saginaw Michigan,we were inseparable. I have many good memories of him. Hoping your wonderful memories of him carry you through this most difficult time.

  • I give my sincere condolence for the death of your loved one. GOD is the one that will comfort you. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to “Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you”. He will console you during this difficult time. Through the ransom of his beloved son, Jesus, he has given us the resurrection hope. We are assured by Jesus’ own words at John 11:25 which state “ I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life”. Therefore it will be possible for you to see your loved one again.

  • Victoria Trifu & Tyler McKinney

    Many thoughts, warm wishes & prayers. Uncle John was an amazing man.

  • Ron and Michelle Snow

    Dear Debbie and family,
    Our sincerest condolences to all of you on the death of John. It has been an honor to know him and love him. Please know we are keeping you all in our prayers at this sad time. Love, Michelle and Ron Snow

  • John Buck the shields family will always love you and hold you close to our heart . You were a great man , father and friend to us all . May you forever ride free ! Love you brother
    KIM shields and Deb shields

    • Debra Shields Harshman

      You were a profound person and a privilege to have as a brother in law❤️Move to greater things❤️ Always in our hearts through Bree and my sister Vickie❤️Give Peace ✌️ and healing to all needed at this time❤️

  • John & Debbie Jaime

    Debbie & family: Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Prayers and thoughts for you during this difficult time. Christ peace to you all.

  • My deepest sympathy to his family.

  • Dick and Judy Caron

    If a couple is lucky they have a John Buckley pass through their lives. Thanks for the memories John. Love to Deb and Steph….

  • Linda Pitchellis

    Deb Bree Josh and Stephanie my heart breaks for you all. John was a wonderful man and loved so much. He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

  • Grannytoots Davis

    John and I got off to a rocky start; however after his marriage to Deb I saw a different side of him. He was an extremely good parent and husband. He also treated me with kindness, humor and love. I loved him like a son. He will be greatly missed.

  • Our deepest sympathy to the Buckley family, from Saginaw Mi

  • Deb, Josh, Bree,& Stephanie. Sending my deepest sympathy to all of you. I know how much you love John. Also want to thank John for giving me the most beautiful daughter Bree Ann in 1971. She is a lot like John in so many ways. She is kind, loving, earthy, and one heck of a business woman. Also thank you for my grandson Journey Hawk

  • Stephenie Carlson

    So shocked and saddened for Stephanie and the family. My heart is with you all. May John’s memory be a blessing and comfort to you all.

  • Margie Oeltjenbruns

    Deb and Steph, my thoughts and prayers are all for you, you sound like you had such a beautiful life with JOHN and I know he prepared you both for your next journey. How loving he was to give you knowledge, love, bravery and get r done attitude and fortitude. You will do well, maybe not today but tomorrow will be a tiny bit better and bit by tiny bit you get through and start traveling done that road. Love you and hope to see you in January. I have the flu so I won’t be at your services.

  • Patricia Osmond-Christmann

    Dear Debbi and family,
    My condolences and heart go out to all of you at this time and always. I pray your heart heals although it will always be filled with the moments of loved shared with the ones we lost, those memories are that which also help heal and allow us to savor the love we have for them that never leaves us.
    Sincerely Your Cousin,

  • Ann and Ken Werle and Family

    Dear Deb an Family,
    Our sincerest sympathy to you on the loss of John. He was such a easy going guy and all around good person. I know you will miss him dearly. Strength and support to you all from Michigan. We love you, Annie, Ken and all the Werle family.

  • Jeff and Amy Kaylor

    Deb, we love you and are so sorry for your loss, we hope you find peace and balance

  • Deb and family my heart is wrapped around you alll. I hope you find piece in knowing he now watches over you all with that same smile.. God bless and much love ❤️

  • RAy and Marie simons

    Our cousin and friend Debbie met a man after a rocky time in her life. It was a blessing they found each other. Joy abounded through the hard times. From the moment you met John you found a quiet prescience who tuned into you. He offered love, laughter, deep compassion and understanding. A truly giving person. We wish him well on his journey but I feel he is chosen to be as one of GOD’s angels that will watch over you all until and when you need him he will still be holding your hand and EVER in your hearts with a guiding voice in your ears. HUGS to all who treasured him.

  • May Gods peace that surpasses all under standing lift you through this difficult time.John was a good friend and we will always think of him as great person! Saginaw Michigan

  • Steven Bronz and Family

    Well I’m a little lost for words but have a heavy heart here in Florida. When we were a bit younger, this was the time of the year we would get together with Uncle John and Aunt Deb, Josh and Stephanie out at their house in Merrill and exchange gifts. I remember how cool to me at the time Uncle John was and how he used to play video games with us and really show us how the games were played. It always excited me to see how pumped up and supportive he would be for Josh and his band. And when he was gracious enough to let me deer hunt on their property, he would always fill me on whether he was seeing any deer around or not before I made the drive from Saginaw Township. Just a couple of the great memories of good ol’ Uncle John. Sorry I couldn’t make it back out to Arizona to show you around 😉 I’m going to miss you…we will all miss you. My heart is with you in the desert Aunt Deb, Bree, Josh & Stephanie and family.

  • My sympathy to Debbie, Bree, Stephanie and Josh. John was such a nice guy, it was always like talking to an old friend when I talked to him.
    God bless,
    Brian

  • Jeanice E Ullmann

    So sad to hear of John’s passing. I always remember his smile and good nature.

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