John Garret Bucklin
Born on May 27, 1965, to Stella Marie Bucklin and Frank Miera in Embudo, New Mexico. He is survived by his son Jessie Aaron Bucklin, daughter Benina Roybal Quintana (Joaquin), brothers Steve Miera (Merlyn), Lawrence Miera, (Connie), Bobby Miera (Eliza), great friend and ex-wife Peggy, Toby Miera (Darlene) and sister Lina Miera (Albert), his and grandchildren Bella Quintana and Amos Quintana, wife Heather Dugan Bucklin and many other Army friends and countless nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. After a courageous battle with diabetes, he is finally at peace. He was a true warrior. He was loved fiercely by his family and friends. Heather Dugan Bucklin (Wife) was by his side when he went to be with our God and Savior. He served proudly in the Army's 82nd Airborne. He always had a smile on his face, even though he was in pain. He always had a joke to tell. He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Bella, and grandson Amos. He loved animals and left behind his companion and service dogs Bailey, Monkey, also his cat Lilim. His sister Lina was his best friend. They called each other to share all of life's events and to share his joke of the day, which she most of the time wouldn't get. He told them anyway. She took care of him as a baby and child. They had an unbreakable bond. His brother Lawrence was by his side during many long dialysis appointments. His brother Steve would stay up talking late with him almost every night since they both have a hard time sleeping. His pride and joy was his son Jessie Aaron Bucklin. Like any Father and son, they had their trials and tribulations; however, their love for each other always overcame all. He loved gnomes and everything John Wayne and Billy the Kid. He was a true cowboy. He wore the hat proudly. He was a jack of all trades. He was an amazing artist and painted often until he got ill. He was an Elvis impersonator and had a beautiful voice. He was nicknamed Elvis in high school because of his immaculate pompadour. He was extremely spiritual and became close with God over the last few years. He enjoyed telling stories about the paranormal. He was actually featured on the travel channel and enjoyed sharing his stories and experiences. He was selfless and had a huge heart. He was fortunate enough to make it to the last Superman movie with his Famous Amos and Bella Bunny. He was an avid collector of comic book characters. His absolute favorite was Superman, and unbeknownst to him, he was our Superman. We will miss him fiercely and honor him in all that we do. Your brothers from the Army say, "My heart is heavy tonight with the news that John Garret Bucklin, 'Buck" (standing, far right) has passed. He was a wonderful, unique soul, an artist, an Elvis impersonator, and one hell of an infantryman. He has been struggling for years with his health, and I know he has found his peace. "Til Valhalla, Brother!" "Your Dad was one of the most respected men in A Co. 1/12 Inf. He was truly a Warrior. "My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 John 14:1-3 (NIV) says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am". Our family would like to thank DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos and especially Joaquin Gonzales for making this difficult time seamless and for allowing us to honor him and send him to Heaven with an honorable and dignified goodbye. The family of John Garret Bucklin has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos.
www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019
Published by Taos News from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4, 2025.