James Patrick Buckley

James Patrick Buckley, 42, of Louisville, KY, passed away on Saturday, February 13th, 2021 following a heroic battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born on January 24, 1979, in Louisville, Kentucky to Katherine (nee Longobardi) and James Peter Buckley.

He attended Anchorage Public School and was a 1997 graduate of St. Xavier High School. James earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Kentucky and was an avid UK fan. After graduation, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and then returned to enroll in flight school and fulfil his dream of becoming a pilot. He achieved this goal and went on to become a commercial multi-engine instrument flight instructor with Valley Aviation in Winchester, Virginia. He then discovered he could combine his passions for travel and flying by becoming a private commercial pilot. He flew business class jets for Southern Air Systems in Tampa, Florida and traveled throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Once the effects of MS took away his ability to fly, he again went back to school, earned his Series 7 and Series 63 licenses, and went to work for Fidelity Investments as a financial representative pursuing his interest in the financial markets.

James enjoyed passions for good food, good music, good friends, and good times. Weekends at Nolin Lake and Sunday Fundays on the intracoastal waterway were some of his favorite memories. His nickname of 'Buckwild' is an indication of his tendency to be the life of the party. At family events, he was known as the 'cool cousin' or the 'fun uncle'. A creative soul with a strong-willed spirit, he was as stubborn as his favorite animal, a donkey.

He grew up in the parish of St. Margaret Mary Church. James reaffirmed and renewed his faith in October of 2019 and was baptized as a member of Sojourn East Church. The unconditional love and support he received from his Sojourn family is a living testament to their faith.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, James and Katherine Buckley; siblings JoAnn Buckley and Matthew (Krista) Buckley; nephews Hunter and Grant; niece Lily; companion Sarah Beth Phillips, and the countless friends who James loved as family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his cousin, Thomas Buckley, and his aunt, Gloria Buckley.

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staffs at Exceptional Living and Jefferson Place for the excellent care they provided to James. Further, the family would like to recognize the outstanding care and support provided by Dr. David A. Robertson and his staff at UofL Physicians - Neurology. Last, but not least, the family would like to acknowledge the outpouring of love, care and support James received from his devoted circle of friends who continually rallied around him, enveloped him with warmth, and carried him through many tough situations.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Sojourn East Church, 2501 Rudy Lane Louisville, KY 40204.

Visitation will also be held from 9:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Sojourn East Church, 2501 Rudy Lane Louisville, KY 40207.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions in James's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

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