BUCKMAN, JR., SAMUEL THOMPSON

BUCKMAN, JR., SAMUEL THOMPSON "TOM" Samuel Thompson (Tom) Buckman, Jr., affectionately known as Tom to his friends and loved ones, peacefully passed away on May 26, 2024, at his home in Cape May, New Jersey. He was 88 years old. Born on November 17th, 1935, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, he grew up in Mountaintop, where he loved to walk and hike the landscape surrounding his home. Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Buckman; parents, Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Buckman; and parents-in-law, William and Isabella Llewellyn. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law, James Magee, and sisters-in-law, Sandy Llewellyn, Charlotte Buckman and Claudia Anderson. Tom is survived by his daughters, Deborah Magee and Gail Buckman; his grandchildren, James and Kalyn Magee; his brother, Lewis Buckman; Gail's partner, Brian Adair; his brother-in-law, William Llewellyn, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His family will forever remember his wisdom and love for nature. After graduating from Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, PA, Tom attended Cornell University and then earned a BA in Sociology from Wilkes University. Tom served with honor in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years, a chapter of his life that would bring him to the shores of Cape May, New Jersey. Tom's commitment to service was further exemplified through his dedicated career as a Supervisor of Professional Residential Services at Woodbine Developmental Center for 27 years. His retirement in 1990 was not the end, but a transition to a new stage. He continued to engage with the community as an employee at the Ponderlodge Golf Course and Hillhouse Greenery. Tom enjoyed the outdoors. He would walk, swim, run his dogs or tend to his flower gardens. He loved and admired all animals. Tom often brought home sick or injured wildlife, nursed them back to health and released them back into the wild. He was also an avid reader and lover of music. Tom was blunt and straightforward. You always knew where you stood with him. He took everything in stride and was brave and strong-willed in the face of his health issues in his final years. Tom loved life and fought to the end. Tom's spirit remains in the lives of those he touched. His story is not one of finality but a timeless narrative of a unique man who embraced every moment with strength, passion, and a dash of humor. Tom's journey through life was a reminder to live fully. Friends and family can gather on Friday, June 7th, 2024, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Spilker Funeral Home in Cape May, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can go to the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics of New Jersey, or an animal shelter of your choice. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com