James Houston Buckalew

MANSFIELD: Upon conversation, James Buckalew would humbly express his gratitude for the U.S Marine Corps and how his service was a life changing experience. Although James considered himself no more special than any other pilot, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, an award given to James for valor during aerial combat in the battle of Peleliu.

In his early twenties James served as a pilot in the Marine Corps, supporting the war effort in the Pacific. At one point he completed 27 missions as a pilot attached to a Marine artillery observation squadron. While flying through intense enemy fire, James completed his mission of observing and locating enemy mortar positions so that U.S. ground units could locate those armaments.

James Houston Buckalew passed away Saturday evening March 26, 2011 in Wedgewood Estates. He was 89.

Born December 16, 1921 in Stonewall, Mississippi, the son of Alman and Lillie (Page) Buckalew,
James was graduated from Enterprise High School in 1940. He later earned a business degree from Hinds Junior College.

From 1942 to 1945 he served as a pilot in the Marine Corps, earning the rank of Captain.

In 1958 James moved to Mansfield, Ohio where he worked as sales manager for the former Mansfield Tire & Rubber Company.
He then relocated to Columbus, Ohio working as vice president of sales for Union Fork and Hoe.
He retired in 1987 and a few years later moved back to Mansfield.
James was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of Venus Lodge #152 F&AM, Kingwood Men's Garden Club, and the Flying Noble Club of the Shriners.

James enjoyed the outdoors including gardening and golfing.

He is survived by his children and their spouses James H., Jr. and Patricia Buckalew of Geneva, Illinois, Bryan Stevens and Sharman Buckalew of Centreville, Maryland, Ruth "Brownie" and Edward Wiegel of Baltimore, Maryland, and Teresa Allison and Greg Smith of Milton, Delaware; stepchildren and their spouses, Mary Ann Armstrong of Loudonville, Ohio and David and Marilyn McLaughlin of Ann Arbor, Michigan; grandchildren Philip & Irene Buckalew, Meryl Buckalew, Bryan & Caralyn Buckalew, Erin Buckalew, Jack Buckalew, Sarah Smith, Lily Smith; two step grandchildren Matthew Armstrong and Cameron McLaughlin; great grandsons A.J. and Alex Buckalew; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Teresa Stevens Buckalew who passed away in 1982; his second wife Mildred Ovens McLaughlin Buckalew who passed away in 2010; and a brother Alman Lamar Buckalew.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 at 12 noon in the Finefrock Chapel of the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, 350 Marion Avenue (Former Finefrock Funeral Home), where friends may call two hours prior to the funeral (10 am. to noon). The Rev. Kent Joy will officiate. Burial with military honors will be held in Enterprise Cemetery in Enterprise, Mississippi.

Memorial contributions to MedCentral Hospice may be made at the funeral home.

Private online condolences to the family are encouraged by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com


Published in the News Journal on March 31, 2011