Dear Classmates and brothers,
It is with deep sadness that I report we bade farewell to our Marine brother, 29th Company’s Jim “Muttley” Buckley. His sister, Sharon, posted the following on her Facebook page:
“On this date 11/10/2023 – I regret to say that around 11 am James passed away from his final battle with Cancer.
He picked such a special day since he was so proud to be a Marine. He held on until this morning. I told him his morphine dose was a shot of Jack Daniels to celebrate.
He was an amazing person with a kind heart and a backbone of steel (which made him an amazing warrior).
I love you and will miss our long talks. You were a wonderful big brother. Love you always – your sister [Sharon Buckley Polites]”
While that cancerous mass in his chest may have taken his life, it never crushed his spirit and heart. True to form, Muttley gathered all the strength he had left to last until November 10th, so he might see one more Marine Corps Birthday before reporting to his heavenly “advance party duty”. I have to believe he celebrated one great Birthday Ball behind those pearly gates along with all our brothers and sisters who precede us.
It was Muttley’s wish to be inurned at the Columbarium. We will pass on more information on it and any family wishes as they become known. Sharon asks your patience as she has a lot on her plate. In the meantime, please remember Jim, his sister Sharon, and all the Buckley family in your thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fidelis. ‘Til Valhalla!
Launchin’ Spot Four,
Vince Balderrama