In Loving Memory of Kimberly Ann Buckman

May 14, 1965 – November 15, 2022

Kimberly “Kim” Ann Buckman, 57, of Phoenix, AZ, formerly of Chillicothe, passed away after a 41-month battle with glioblastoma, at 11:27 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th, at her home surrounded by her family and listening to Blues music.

Born Kimberly Ann James on May 14, 1965, in Peoria to Franklin and Barbara (Newell) James.  She married David Buckman on September 24, 2011, in Sedona, AZ.  

Kim is survived by her husband and parents. Also surviving are her brother, Nick James, of Morton, IL and her nephew, Matthew James of Phoenix, AZ.  Kim raised Matthew as her own son from the age of 15 months.  He was the light of her life, and she unwaveringly supported him.  Kim was preceded in death by her brother, Robert “Bob” James.

Kim graduated with the class of 1983 from Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe.  She was a legal assistant for over 25 years, working in Peoria for Heyl Royster and most recently retired from the Phoenix division of Dickinson-Wright.  At both places she made amazing friendships.  While living in the Peoria area, she also worked for Schooner’s in Peoria Heights, a place and its people she loved with all her being.

Kim was a music lover.  All music.  But especially the Blues.  She would travel far and wide to see her favorites.  And she introduced many of her friends to the genre, making sure they understood the Blues weren’t to be confused with Jazz.

Kim was also a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks.  It was rare after the advent of streaming when she ever missed an entire game of either team.  No matter if they were in first place or staring up from the cellar, she was passionate about her teams.  She traveled to Tampa to watch the ‘Hawks play in the Stanley Cup finals in 2015 and was a regular at Clark and Addison (aka Wrigley Field). 

But mostly, Kim was an amazing daughter, wife, mother and friend.  She loved her parents immensely and did whatever she could to make their lives better in appreciation for all they did for her.  She gave her son a life full of love, support, and, of course, hockey.  And as for friends, Kim had an uncanny ability to make friends virtually anywhere she went. The bonds she could create in a short period of time were remarkable.  Nobody was an outsider to her.  She was the friend who made everyone’s day or night more fun.  Always arranging nights out with the gang or just to talk one-on-one.  Her spirit and enthusiasm were palpable.  She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.