James Karl "Jim" Buckhout

James Karl "Jim" Buckhout of Richland, MI



Jim, age 68, died unexpectedly Monday afternoon, April 4, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI.


Jim, the son of Wilfred J. and Jeanette L. (Thomsen) Buckhout, was born in Kalamazoo on March 23, 1948; was a lifetime area resident and a 1966 graduate of Comstock, MI. He served his Country honorably and nobly during the Vietnam War with 2 tours of duty in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant with "Charlie's Rangers." Jim was awarded numerous citations for bravery including two Purple Hearts w/Oak Leaf Cluster, three Bronze Stars w/V Device, Gallantry Cross w/Gold S, the Air Medal and a Silver Star. Upon returning to civilian life, Jim became employed with Miller-Davis Construction Company of Kalamazoo, starting as a general laborer and after 48 years of faithful service, now the Superintendent of Projects. He was a member of the Deland, FL V.F.W. Post # 2380 and enjoyed camping. Jim was a NASCAR aficionado and followed the career of the # 3, "The Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt, Sr. until his untimely death in 2001 and now, followed Dale, Jr.

Jim was united in marriage to Marilyn G. (nee: Branch) in Richland on November 8, 1969. Surviving is his wife of 47 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Shelly M. Buckhout of Byron Center, MI; his son, Gregory J. Buckhout of Crested Butte, CO; three precious grandchildren, Katelyn, Taylor and Tucker Curry; a great granddaughter, Reagan; his sister, Judy Buckhout of Three Rivers, MI and two brothers, David (Nellie) Buckhout of Three Rivers and Mark (Char) Buckhout of Kalamazoo. Jim was preceded in death by his parents.


The Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 1:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), with the Rev. Robert G. Muirhead of Battle Creek, MI, officiating. Jim's family will greet friends on Saturday from Noon until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI on Monday, April 11th at 11:00 a.m. with the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.