James Bucklin

The Music you hear playing is called "Reflections and Images" which was composed by James Langdon Bucklin.  Please enjoy!!!

James Langdon Bucklin, 88, of Broomall, PA, passed away at home in the presence of his loving family on February 6, 2020.  He was the loving son of the late Ruth Lloyd Bucklin Farley. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Nancy Nicks Bucklin; sons, James J. Bucklin, Thomas E. Bucklin, Brian C. Bucklin (Caitlin Skrdla); daughter, Michele Bucklin Curtis (Paul A. Curtis); daughter-in-law, Dianne A. Bucklin; brother, Louis L. Bucklin; sister, Peggy Anne Farley; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Joseph J. Bucklin, and his brother, Langdon C. Bucklin.

Jim attended the Church Farm School in Paoli, PA, and Bartram High School, in Philadelphia, PA. He served in the Army Airforce where he became a Certified Jet Mechanic working on the P-80 Shooting Star Jet Fighter. He also was in Special Services Orchestras playing several instruments. He was a self-employed Insurance Adjuster, Accident Investigator, and Reconstructionist   working for Insurance Companies and Attorneys. At the same time, he was an accomplished musician using his talent as a composer, arranger, and performer. In the 50’s, he collaborated on music for several films, and also arranged and directed recording sessions for popular music artists in the 50’s and 60’s.  He also played with various musical combos in the tri-state area, and was a member of the Musicians Unions 384 and 77.

Jim was drawn to Biblical texts and wrote beautiful choral and vocal settings of the Lord’s Prayer, the 23rd Psalm, Luke 2:8-14, and others. Several of his compositions and arrangements were performed at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Two of them were “God So Loved the World,” and “Glory to God in the Highest.”

He was a member of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and sang with the Senior Choir.  While there he composed music that was sung by the choir for use in worship services. One such piece was a dramatic setting of Psalm 16. He also composed a series of “Amens,” used as part of the Benediction. He made an interesting and joyful arrangement of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” using choir, soprano soloist, handbells, and bass. The soprano solo part was for his wife. Jim and Nancy did lots of performing together and particularly enjoyed the song, “All the Things You Are,” by Jerome Kern.

Jim was also actively involved in the BMPC Fine Arts Outreach Program, providing musical entertainment for nursing homes and retirement centers in the region. Using his KN 1000 keyboard, his voice, his knowledge, and his ability to authentically perform the popular great standards of the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, he brought great happiness and joy to audiences.

Jim loved his family and his home. He was a devoted husband and father, had a wonderful sense of humor, was a good listener, and always gave his best in all he did. He believed in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the gifts of eternal life and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.

“God Be with You Till We Meet Again.”

Visitation:  Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike at Lynn Blvd, Upper Darby, PA  19082.

Funeral Service:  Saturday, March 7, at 11:30 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike at Lynn Blvd., Upper Darby, PA.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.