Rev. James A. Buckner

On Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 5:27 a.m., the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords opened up the gates of heaven and said to Rev. James Buckner, “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant” and called him home to eternal Glory.

James Andrew Buckner was born on Feb 16, 1951 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, one of 5 children born to the late Ed Buckner and Margaret Hubbard-Buckner. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert “Skeebo” White Sr. and Henry White; a sister, Rosemary White; a step son, James D. Maxwell; and a grandson Deviante Gaines.

He attended Western Kentucky Vocational Technical School where he was certified as a mechanic. He later attended the University of Evansville were he pursued a degree in Theology. In 2001, after obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education, Rev. Buckner became the co-owner/operator of the Okey Dokey Daycare. He loved and cared for many children whom he held close to his heart. Rev. Buckner was also a United States veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Rev. James A. Buckner confessed his faith in Christ at an early age at Lane Tabernacle CME Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Determined to serve God’s people, he joined the Ministry at St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Norris Kirby. In 1984, Rev. Buckner received his full connection orders in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under Bishop Othal H. Lakey. He pastored many churches in the Kentucky Region: Phillips Chapel in Sturgis, KY; Hills Chapel in Crofton, KY; Bowman Chapel in Morganfield KY; Cleaves Chapel in Uniontown, KY; and Cleaves Memorial in Evansville, IN. One of his greatest accomplishments during his pastoral assignment was when he built a new church, Thomas Chapel in Hickman, Ky. Under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Rev. Buckner became the Treasurer of the Kentucky Annual Conference and under Bishop E. Lynn Brown, he also served as the Presiding Elder of the Evansville-Hopkinsville District.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: a brother, Harry White; his three daughters: Carlena (Bryson) Lowe of Evansville, IN., Ja’Nita Buckner-Gaines of Indianapolis, IN., Minister Nani Renee’ Buckner of Louisville, KY; one son, DeMarcus Garland of Louisville, Ky.; two step-children, Clarissa Maxwell and James Maxwell along with their mother Min. Elma L. Buckner; 17 grandchildren: Juanita Wilson, JaMarcus Buckner, JaTavin Buckner, Christyle Sherley, JaLexus Smith, Armani Buckner, Calyjah Buckner, JaMaarion Buckner, JaMyah Buckner, Aniyah Buckner, Zaria Maxwell, A’Shaye Maxwell, Javi Gaines, Dasia Garland, DeShaun Garland, DaMari Garland, and Dakari Garland; 5 great-grandchildren: JaMarcus Buckner, Jr., Ja’Nelle Buckner, Asiah Buckner, Malakai Buckner, and Carlayah Sherley; his business partner and care provider, Lori Banks-McNary.

Services are Monday, April 22, 2019 at 1:00pm at Cleaves Memorial CME Church in Evansville. Visitation from 11:00am until service time. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com