James Alexander Buckley

James Alexander "Jim" Buckley, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at Park Springs in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Born on January 25, 1939, in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim graduated from Hamilton High School in 1956 and attended Trenton State College, where he earned a varsity letter playing football. He served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve and went on to build a distinguished 35-year career with The Coca-Cola Company, retiring in 1997.

Following his retirement from Coca-Cola, Jim continued his professional life in the travel industry as owner of North Island Travel in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and later as an independent travel consultant. His love of travel took him to all seven continents and more than 100 countries. During his years in Hilton Head, Jim was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and on numerous committees. He also served his community as a member of the Hilton Head/Beaufort County Airports Board from 2017 to 2022

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family, his curiosity about the world, his warmth with friends and colleagues, and his lifelong enthusiasm for bringing people together.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Martha Dolly Buckley, daughter Laura Buckley (Greg Packwood) and grandson Aaron Reifscheinder, son Robert Buckley (Nicole Hall Buckley) and grandsons Orion Buckley and Forest Buckley and son George Buckley (Stacie Spychalski Buckley) grandson Grant Buckley and granddaughter Charlotte Buckley.

He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Kovacs (Cheryl), sister, Joanne Buckley Emery (Jim), nephews Brian Kovacs (Ali), Jeffrey Kovacs, niece Julie Fields (Glenn), nephew David Bannister (Tina) and many other beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Lorraine Kovacs Skwarek and sister, Betty Kovacs Bannister.

A celebration of Jim's remarkable life will be held on August 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Park Springs, 500 Springhouse Circle, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087. If you are joining us, please click on this link to RSVP and receive more information on Jim's celebration and parking.