Frederick James Buck

Frederick James “Jim” Buck, of Niles, Michigan, died Saturday August 9, 2014. Born September 23, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio, Jim grew up and lived much of his adult life in nearby Westerville. He had three siblings – June, Marie and Rose. After graduating from Westerville High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a quartermaster on the LST 888 until the end of World War II. Upon returning to Westerville, Jim attended Otterbein College. He was a member of the Sigma Delta Phi fraternity and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration. Following graduation in 1950, Jim married Elizabeth “Betty” June and began a successful career as a salesman. Jim and Betty had two children; David James, born in 1960, and Bettina Lynn, born in 1962. The family moved to North Adams, Michigan, in 1968. Jim and Betty divorced in 1977. In the early 80’s, Jim returned to the Columbus area, where he resided for several years. He then spent several years in a retirement community on a golf course in Stuart, Florida, where he indulged his love of golf nearly every day. Jim returned to Michigan in 2005 to be near his children and grandchildren. He lived in Berrien County for the remainder of his life. Jim always wanted the very best for his family and also demanded their best efforts as well. His sometimes gruff exterior could be deceiving, as he was apt to surprise with a caring question, a smile, or a tender comment at the most unexpected moments. He loved animals, particularly horses and dogs, and they seemed to have a kinship with him as well. Upon his return to Michigan, he developed a very special bond with his granddaughters, Hannah and Olivia. Jim will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Surviving are sisters Marie Jones, of Montgomery, New York and Rose Miller, of Westerville, Ohio; son, David James Buck and his wife, Vicki, of St. Joseph, Michigan; daughter, Bettina Lynn Buck of Coloma, Michigan; and two grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth Buck and Olivia Marie Buck, both of St. Joseph, Michigan. A Visitation and Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, August 14 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. with the service to follow at 3 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to one of two charities; the Alzheimer’s Association or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.