John R. Buckingham, 74, former resident of Brewster, WA, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2009, from Pancreatic Cancer at his Brackettville, TX home. He was born on August 24, 1935, at Brewster, WA, to Arthur and Ruth Buckingham. John married Sandra Romiti in Reno, NV on December 24, 1992. John attended grade school in Brewster, WA and graduated from Chewelah High School in 1954. Within days of graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. He served with Air Force Security Police in France, Germany and at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, WA. He was discharged from active duty in September 1962. John worked for the Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, WA until 1971. He attended Green River Community College, receiving a two-year degree in general studies, followed by additional studies at Washington State University. While managing the family orchard in Brewster, John joined the Air Force Reserves in 1972. As a transport aircraft loadmaster, he served when called in peace and conflicts (Vietnam and Desert Shield/Storm). As a senior loadmaster on C-141s and C-5s, John achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and non-commissioned officer in charge of the loadmaster section of an airlift squadron. He received numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons for his meritorious service, followed by retirement in 1995. John and wife, Sandra, enjoyed retirement travels across the U.S. and settled in the retirement community of Fort Clark Springs, West Texas. Whether his friends and loved ones knew him as J.B, Papa John, or Uncle Dick, he will be remembered, loved and respected by all.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sandra Buckingham of Brackettville, TX; one son, Steven Buckingham and wife, Cindy of Bothell, WA; one step-daughter, Susan Bako and husband, Dan of Las Cruces, NM; two step-sons, Keith Romiti and wife, Tammy of Beaverton, OR and Robert Romiti and wife, Jill of Albuquerque, NM; one sister, Kristy Sprague and husband, K.C. of Bothell, WA; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Larry Buckingham.

A Memorial Service followed by Interment will be held in Bridgeport, WA, at a spring 2010 date to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Fort Clark Springs Historical Society, P.O. Box 1016, Brackettville, TX 78832.