Obituary of John Wesley Buckles, Jr.

John Wesley Buckles, Jr.

John Wesley Buckles, Jr., age 70, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, December 28, 2018 following a lengthy battle with the horrendous disease ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  Throughout his final year that began with missed diagnoses, continued with specialist appointments in several states, and ended up with rapidly deteriorating physical abilities while his mind remained sharp, John kept his faith and remained strong and determined to make the most of every day.  Even as his ability to speak and swallow was taken away, John always made efforts to make all those around him feel comfortable.  He felt blessed to be able to attend Christmas Eve services at his church and to enjoy Christmas Day at home surrounded by family.   

John was born November 3, 1948 in Johnson City, TN to the late Freda and John W. Buckles, Sr.  He grew up in Kingsport, graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1968.  John attended college at ETSU, where he met the love of his life, Linda L. Doherty.  They were married shortly before he graduated with a degree in Marketing in 1972.  The proudest day of John’s life was the day his daughter Jacqueline was born, and his love for her was obvious every day of his life.  Family was of utmost importance to John, and he devoted his life to providing a good life for his wife and daughter.  John was a generous, kind, and caring man with a unique sense of humor and great business acumen. 

John’s career began with thirteen years of employment at the home office of Lowe’s Company in Wilkesboro, NC.  He worked first as a purchasing agent and later became Vice President of Marketing.  In 1986, John and his wife moved back to Kingsport when he joined his father in the family business, John Buckles & Sons.  A few years later, John took the helm and renamed the business Marketing Consulting Services while continuing to operate it as a food brokerage company.  Over the years, John’s businesses expanded to include Buckles Allstate Insurance and a Johnson City subdivision as well as several other real estate ventures. 

John attended First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport faithfully for over 30 years.  John was passionate about giving back to his community through the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport where he served two terms as Board President, received the Man and Youth Award, continued on the Board for many years afterward, and remained a member of the Foundation Board until his death.  He was also a generous supporter of many other local charitable organizations.

John had a passion for all UT sports, particularly football, and he and his family were regular Skybox attendees for years.  He felt very fortunate to continue to be able to attend all of the UT home football games this past fall.  John loved spending down-time with his wife and daughter, especially when they could get away to their beach condo at Amelia Island.  He also enjoyed playing golf any time he got a chance.  John was a devoted husband, father, and brother who will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Those left to cherish John’s memory are his wife of 47 years, Linda D. Buckles; his daughter, Jacqueline W. Buckles of Columbus, OH; his sister, Brenda B. Smith (Harold) of Cleveland, TN; his brother, Jerry L. Buckles (Peggy) of Johnson City, TN; his uncle, Charles "Worley" Danner of Mt. Juliet; and aunts, Virginia Willis of Johnson City & Elsie Presnell of Elizabethton (& her daughters, Katie & Linda), as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

The family will receive friends from 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 West Church Circle, Kingsport, TN.  Funeral services at the church will begin at 2pm with Reverend Sharon Amstutz officiating.  Private graveside services will follow.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Buckles, Harold Smith, Stewart Taylor, Kevin Haney, Vince Davis, Terry Lane, and Mark Balchik.

Special thanks go to John’s speech therapist Molly, and his physical therapist Taylor, for their positive attitudes, dedicated service and care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, P.O. Box 784, Kingsport, TN 37662.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cartertrent.com.  Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is proudly serving the Buckles family.