James McGarry Buckels

James McGarry Buckels obituary, Springfield, MO

James McGarry Buckels

James Buckels Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Dec. 19, 2023.

Publish in a newspaper

Springfield, MO – James McGarry Buckels died of natural causes in his home in Republic, Missouri, on December 12, 2023. Jim was born on May 30, 1967, in Taipei, Taiwan. Jim was the youngest of 5 children born to LTC Fred P. Buckels, Jr. and Jenevieve Hoffman Buckels.
Jim's early years were spent with his family in Taiwan. At the age of 2 the family returned to the United States where his father continued to pursue his career as an Officer in the U.S. Army. In 1969, the family moved to Springfield, MO. Jim attended Springfield Public Schools until 1978, when the family moved to a small farm in rural Dallas County near the town of Buffalo, MO.
Jim graduated from Buffalo High School in 1985. After a year as a student at the University of Missouri – Columbia, he worked at Murry's Restaurant in Columbia. Then he moved to St. Thomas, USVI and lived and worked in the town of Charlotte Amalie for several years. For the next 20 plus years he worked in several restaurant businesses in Springfield, including Clary's and The Gallery Bistro. He also owned and operated his own restaurant, F.P. Buckels' Diner. After closing his diner, Jim enrolled at Drury University to continue his education. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Drury University and a Master's Degree from Missouri State University before moving to Beijing, China to pursue a Graduate Certificate with Drury University.
Besides teaching English and other courses for a public University in Beijing, and giving private English lessons in client's homes, Jim's other passion in life was travel. During his years of teaching and living In Beijing, he was able to visit Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
After Beijing, Jim moved to Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, Burma) to teach elementary school children at a local Montessori School. He adored working with and teaching the young Burmese children. He also developed and taught English language classes in an online teaching format in both China and Myanmar. In March of 2021, Jim returned to the United States to live in Deland, Florida for a few months before returning to Springfield in December of that year. Jim was employed by Nonna's Italian Café at the time of his passing.
Jim is survived by his brother Steven Buckels of Deland, Florida and sister Linda Locke of Springfield, Missouri; nephews Alex Locke (Gabby) and Evan Henslee (Melinda); nieces Amber Henson (Mitch), Erin Peterson (Jeremy) and great nieces Erin Henson and Malin Peterson. He was preceded in death by his father Fred P. Buckels, Jr., his mother Jenevieve H. Buckels, and his sisters Ruth E. Henslee and Susan D. Wason.
Jim will be remembered as a friend to all; for his creativity, his generosity, his caring and compassionate nature, and his adventurous spirit. Jim was beloved by many friends around the world and across the United States.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home – East, 3540 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3506 N. National, Springfield, MO.
The family requests that donations be made to Pearl S. Buck International, at pearlsbuck.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Buckels's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Buckels's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?