James Lynus 'Jim' Buckles Sr.

James Lynus "Jim" Buckles, 77, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at the Northeast Montana Health Services in Poplar, Mont.

He was born to Lorena Brown and Fred Buckles Sr. on Nov. 6, 1937, as the oldest son of six boys. He was raised in the Oswego area, spending time at both his parents' house and his maternal grandparents, Agnes Lucky and Jim Brown. He grew up primarily attending Frazer Schools until he transferred to Wolf Point his junior year to play with the undefeated Wolf Point Wolves' football team of 1954.

He was the trailblazer in his family to begin a legacy of Buckles' servicemen. He joined the Air Force towards the end of his senior year and proudly served for four years with all of his brothers following thereafter. From his military experience and teachings from his parents and grandparents, he grounded himself in the principles of which he lived his life; hard work, family, honesty and humility.

Upon returning home from the military, he began a family in which he raised six children who he was extremely proud of; Sonny, Barry, Sissy, Kevin, Pat and Pam. He enjoyed teaching his children the importance of a strong work ethic, sharing his favorite pastimes and watching them participate in various athletic activities.

He was a perfectionist who believed in an orderly home, nice yard, and doing things right the first time. He enjoyed watching and analyzing sports and he especially enjoyed keeping current on news. He was a quiet man but was always up for a good political argument. Later on in his retirement life, he enjoyed helping his wife, Monica, at the American Legion Supper Club and hosting barbecues for friends and family at his home. He also enjoyed the opportunity to watch his family grow with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To sum up the life of a man that means so much to his family is difficult. We are thankful for the life and lessons he shared, the example he led, and the guidance he provided. His presence will be missed by not only his family but by countless friends and people who took him in as their dad and grandpa over their years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorena and Fred Buckles Sr.; a sister, Roberta Buckles; three brothers, Thomas Buckles, Duane Buckles and Ronald Buckles Sr.; an adopted sister, Mavis Failing; one stepson, Ed Adams; one nephew, Ronald Buckles Jr.; paternal grandparents, Tom Buckles and Julia Lone Warrior; maternal grandparents, Agnes and Jim Brown; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survivors include his wife, Monica Buckles; six children, James "Sonny" Buckles Jr., Barry Buckles and his wife, Lucy, Agnes "Sissy" Little and her husband, Butch, Kevin Buckles and his wife, Deanna, Patrick Buckles and Pamela Medina Buckles; a stepson, Todd Adams and his wife, Julie; two brothers, Fred Buckles and his wife, Olivia, and Bobby Dean Buckles and his wife, Mary; three aunts, Pearl Hopkins, Gloria Chopper and Louise Ell; 16 grandchildren, Jovaughn White Hawk, Troy Adams, Adriann Ricker and her husband, Griffin, T.J. Buckles and his wife, Esther, Calvin Lester Jr., Desiree Buckles, Freddy Lester and his wife, Paige, Kaileen O'Brien, Amanda Buckles, Michael Medina and his wife, Tina, Patrick Little, Mariah Medina, Patrick Buckles, Agnes Little, Kassie Buckles and Randy Buckles; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family. We apologize to all those not mentioned.

A vigil service was held Sunday, March 1, at 7 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, March 2, at 10 a.m., both services held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.

Bell Mortuary of Glasgow was in charge of arrangements.