James I. Bucklin, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away in his sleep the morning of September 20, 2008, at Callaway Gardens.

James joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17 and was stationed in Iceland prior to the breakout of World War II. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, James deployed to San Diego, California. He was involved in the first battle the Marine Corps fought in World War II at Guadalcanal. Following the Guadalcanal campaign, he went on to make 16 more amphibious invasions in the Pacific Theater. During his final assault on Guam, where he was severely wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart, he returned to San Diego for rehabilitation and healing.

James met his wife Marie through her brother a fellow Marine after becoming pen pals with her, while exchanging many letters and pictures. Marie left Omaha, Nebraska, by train to finally meet this handsome man in San Diego. They were married in 1945 and the rest became history. James moved his family to Pasco, Washington, 58 years ago where he and Marie raised their five children in the new home he bought in 1953.

James made a good living as an accomplished master carpenter and a pile buck. He worked on most of the dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers, and worked on many of the local bridges that cross both rivers, as well as other rivers in the region.

Jim was a true craftsman and accomplished finish carpenter. To accommodate his growing family he enlarged his family's room by adding a large family room and garage; his skill was mastery, as evidenced by the custom kitchen cabinet work he fabricated, the large family room, additional bathroom and other improvements made to his home.

As a family, we were very proud of our home. The home became the center of family activities and was host to many family gatherings on Sundays, birthdays and holidays. Dad also had a green thumb; his yard was always beautiful and was the standard of the neighborhood. His yard was forever changing with the seasons; his trees, shrubs and lawn were always in trim and well manicured for the 50-plus years he was physically able to maintain them.

He was most proud of his flagpole in the front yard where he always flew the American flag along with the flag of the United States Marine Corps his talents were many and his gifts were plenty. James was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.

After all his children left home, James and Marie began attending Marine Corps reunions for the units he fought with during World War II 22nd Marine Regiment and 6th Marine Division: this association went on for over 20 years. James was one of the most acknowledged and honored members of both organizations during the reunions. This recognition was a direct result of the gallantry, bravery and valor that characterized his fearless actions during contact with the enemy. They developed many lasting friendships from their attendance at these reunions.

Their travels took them to most of the the major cities in the United States and Europe where their daughter's husband was serving in the U.S. Army.

James leaves behind his wife, Marie of 63 years; daughter Patty Craig Lansing, son Jim Nancy Bucklin, son Steve Elisa Bucklin, daughter Kathy Dean Braden and Mary Steve Imhoff; 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and one brother. He is survived by three sisters, Rosie, Shirley and Harriet; and one brother, Leo.

Dad thank you for being such a blessing to our family. We will truly miss you forever.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland with graveside services immediately following. Viewing will be on Wednesday, September 24th from from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary following. Reception will be at Knights of Columbus, 2500 Chester Road, Richland, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL, 17, Chicago IL. 60601

Special thanks to John at Tri-Cities Home Health Care, and Callaway Gardens for their loving care this past year.