Obituary
John (known to most as Jack) was born on September 13, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois to Charles and Eileen Bucklar. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at The University of Illinois, where he also met his future wife, Diane. After marrying Diane in July 1968, Jack joined the Army and began his tour in Vietnam (July 1969 – July 1970), where he proudly fought for his country and earned a Bronze Star for heroic achievement. After returning home, Jack started a pharmaceutical sales career at Roche Laboratories that lasted 38 years. During this time, Jack and Diane had three children and moved frequently, calling 5 states home.
Jack loved sports, playing hockey at the University of Illinois as well as for a semi-professional team in Peoria. He also was an avid golfer, playing as often as he could, and was fortunate enough to have played a round at Augusta National. He rooted for all the Chicago professional teams, but his favorite teams were always the ones his children were on. If he wasn’t coaching them, he made it known by his very distinct whistle that he was there to cheer them on.
Jack was a loving and supportive father. He lived and preached the motto “always do your best and never give up on your goals.” He enjoyed time with friends, and was always prepared with a joke. He was the life of the party with his humor and dance moves, and never missed an opportunity to dance with Diane to “A Little Ditty ‘bout Jack and Diane.” He particularly enjoyed time with his family, and always brought so much life and energy to any family gathering (camping trips to Jellystone Parks, Christmas parties, Spring Breaks in Panama City Beach). His six grandchildren lovingly called him Papa. They cherish the memories of visits to the neighborhood parks, building snowmen during the Illinois winters, all the birthday parties he attended for them and eating “Papa’s famous eggs”. They still laugh at his silly nicknames and all his corny jokes.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife (Diane), his parents (Charles and Eileen), and his siblings (Charles Jr and MaryAnn). He is survived by his brother Bill, his children Christine (Mark) Nelson, John (Marie) Bucklar and Jeff (Andrea) Bucklar, and his grandchildren Ashley, Brooke, Carly, Jack, Zoe and Connor.
His family has organized a memorial service to honor Jack’s life and military service at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on January 17 at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
Cornerstone Hospice
Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Miss ya Pops
I love and miss you Dad!