James “Jim” Arnold Buckner, 88, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone on March 13, 1934 where his father was stationed as a Naval officer. Growing up, Jim called many places home as his father moved up the ranks in the Navy. One story he loved to tell was that, as a baby, Eleanor Roosevelt once watched him while his mother was in the grocery store on base. At the age of 2, his family moved from Panama to Norfolk, VA, then went on to live in Arlington, VA, where he was interviewed by a local radio station at just 9 years old for collecting items such as gum wrappers and newspapers for World War II efforts. They moved back to Norfolk where he completed his high school education, then headed to Honolulu, HI and San Diego, CA shortly after. After graduating high school in 1952, Jim enlisted in the Navy and, following basic training, attended the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He met his wife, Jeanie, at his first duty station in Norfolk, VA, married in 1958, and started a family soon after. He was able to travel the world while he served, living off the coast of many countries including Portugal, Germany, Japan, Australia, Guam and many others, on ships and submarines. Jim especially enjoyed being stationed in Scotland where he was able to live with Jean and their sons, Jimmie and Jeff. He was engaged in Vietnam Naval operations in the late 1960s. While stationed in California, Jim attended the National University in San Diego where he received his MA in Business Administration in 1974. Jim retired from the US Navy in 1976 after serving for over 20 years. Jim was very proud of his naval career, primarily serving as a submarine officer, and told many stories of his experiences at sea and visiting ports. Following his naval career, he worked as a contractor for Naval Air Systems Command in Arlington, Virginia where his 2-year contract stretched to 24 years and at the age of 71, he finally retired. After moving cross-country from California prior to retirement, Jim resided in Virginia where he lived for the remainder of his life. Jim and Jean enjoyed playing poker with friends and family, traveling to Atlantic City, going to the library to play Bridge, passing time playing Cribbage, staying up late to watch their favorite soaps, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Jim especially loved meeting all of his great-grandchildren over the last several years. Jim was a Master Mason and member of Calvin A. Lloyd Chapter 81 Order of the Eastern Star and was involved with Job’s Daughters Bethel 55 in Woodbridge, VA where his daughters Debbie and Sarah were members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and James Buckner, sister, Janet Waldman, his loving wife, Jeanie, son, Jeff, and granddaughter, Caitlin Colwell. He is survived by his son, Jimmie, daughters, Debbie Colwell and Sarah Dowling-Feagans, 8 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. The family will hold an intimate celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Hospice care.