Obituary: James P. “Jim” Buckley

James P. “Jim” Buckley, a lifelong Waukesha resident, died on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Brookfield Rehabilitation Center at the age of 79. 

He was born in Waukesha on June 7, 1933 the son of Patrick and Evelyn (nee Wood) Buckley.  He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1948 until 1952.  Jim was very active in politics and the Democratic Party.  As an excellent public speaker he was a longtime lobbyist for many organizations including; the Wisconsin Banker’s Association, School Psychologists, WI Liquor Licenses and the Wrestling Association.  He served as the Chief Clerk of the Wisconsin Assembly, served as a Waukesha Alderman for many years, was an Ombudsman for former Wisconsin Governor Patrick Lucey and ran for Congress twice. Jim enjoyed playing his clarinet and in his band Jim Buckley & His Jazz Friends. He enjoyed acting while in college and later at the Waukesha Civic Theater.  Jim loved nature, going hiking and enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by his son James Buckley of Menomonee Falls and his daughter Sarah (Todd) Grissmeyer of Milwaukee and their mother Kathleen McCord of Arizona, his grandchildren: Christopher, Evelyn and Nicholas Buckley and Carissa and Nora Grissmeyer.  He is further survived by his brothers: William (Rose) Buckley of Seattle, John Buckley of Waukesha, Raymond (Barbara) Buckley of South Milwaukee and Patrick (Nancy) Buckley of Dousman along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters-in-law Bette Buckley and Mary Buckley.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha.  Fr. Scott Leannah will preside.  Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.  If desired, memorials are appreciated to Hospice Advantage, 1155 Quail Court Suite LL, Pewaukee, WI 53072.

is honored to serve the family.  For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.