John H. Buckley

John H. Buckley, 81, passed away after a sudden illness at home on January 1, 2026, with his beloved wife, Jackie, by his side. A visitation will be held from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth, with a service at 4:00 p.m. Burial, with full military honors, will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

Born June 13, 1944, in Chicago, John was the son of Thomas and Helen (Freevol) Buckley. He attended Austin High School with the Class of 1962, carrying forward the same grit and good humor that would define him for the rest of his life.

Soon after high school, John answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served as an Airman First Class at Schilling Air Force Base, working with the missile silos and in the motor pool—jobs that demanded reliability, precision, and steady nerves. In 1964, John was sent overseas to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, during a time when the Vietnam War was escalating and the base was alive with nonstop activity. With B-52s constantly landing and taking off, John spent the remainder of his tour on the flight line, doing his part in a mission much larger than himself.

Long before his working years and military service, John’s greatest story had already begun—one that started back in the first grade. That’s when he met a young girl named Jackie Boddy. Their friendship grew through the years, and by high school they were inseparable. On September 21, 1963, John married the love of his life, Jackie, in Oak Park, Illinois. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and teamwork—raising two children, Michael and Michelle, and celebrating an extraordinary 62 years of marriage. John and Jackie truly were a team, and John also cherished his faithful canine companion, Kumo, who rarely left his side.

John was the kind of man people gravitated toward. He “did it all,” and he did it with a grin. A natural jokester and the life of the party, he had a way of making others feel at ease—often with a quick comment, a playful jab, or a perfectly timed story. He would give anyone the shirt off his back, and he genuinely loved helping people. He enjoyed a good scotch, good company, and the simple satisfaction of showing up for others.

John spent decades as an Operating Engineer, operating heavy cranes with the calm focus that comes from skill earned the hard way. He worked for Wagner Benson until 1989, then for Electric Conduit, and later at the Chicago Yacht Yard, retiring in 2013. He was a dedicated member of Local 150 Operating Engineers, and he took pride in the work. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and later became a Shriner. John’s love of cars and motorcycles remained throughout life. His latest gem was an Audi.

John will be dearly missed by his wife, Jackie Buckley of Apple River, Illinois; his son, Michael (Jennifer) Buckley of Marion, Iowa; and his three grandchildren, Daniella, Jesalynn, and Michael II. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, in 2018; his brother, James (Brenda) Buckley; and both parents, Thomas and Helen Buckley.

John’s legacy is one of love, laughter, hard work, and service—marked by devotion to his family, pride in his craft, and a generous spirit that left people better than he found them.