Stevensville – Jerry Grant Buckingham (known to all as Buck) died at 90 years old, on August 11, 2025 in his home, surrounded by his family in Stevensville, MT.
Buck was born in February 1935 in Monterey Park, CA. Buck was a true adventurer throughout his life. Although growing up in the Hollywood Hills area, he always dreamed of being a cowboy, and participated in cowboy exhibition shows. Buck accepted Christ as his savior as a teenager at a Billy Graham Crusade in the Hollywood Bowl. One of his first ministries was with the Knights of the Cross Boys Club.
He met his wife of 64 years, Jerry Sue, while working at Forest Home Christian Conference Center, and the two spent their lives always together through many different adventures, throughout northern California, Oregon, and Washington, before settling in western Montana. Buck was a man who lived life on his own terms as a pastor, horse trainer and trader, a pilot, a hunting and fishing guide, and always a witness for his Lord. He also loved a good barter with a friend.
In 1975, Buck and Jerry Sue set out with their four daughters on the Bicentennial Wagon Train, a celebration that spanned two years and the entire country, where he served as Chaplain on the Oregon Trail train – from Sisters to Valley Forge, PA. After their many years of travelling and living in various communities, where Buck pastored community churches and worked on area ranches and feedlots, they settled in Stevensville and built a life and community there for 40 years.
Buck loved riding horses in the mountains, the cowboy lifestyle, and playing bluegrass music with various local groups. He was a craftsman who continued to strive for excellence and yearned for relevant ministry in all his interactions with others.
During his last couple weeks of life, he was able to spend time with many of his grandchildren, and was gifted with being able to share Christ’s message, play his guitar and sing for an afternoon, rev up his motorcycle, go to the lake with the grands, and enjoy a day out at the Creamery Picnic – all things dear to him over the years.
Buck is survived by his loving wife, Jerry Sue, his constant companion and caregiver; his four daughters, Becky Reyes (Ludin and four grandsons), Bonnie Buckingham, Julie Whitaker (Bobby and three granddaughters and two grandsons), and Rani Riley (Terry and two grandsons); and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives, and his fellow bacon-loving dog, Ryder.
Press on, Buck.
A memorial service will be held at Stevensville Community Baptist Church on Friday, August 22, at 11 a.m. A reception and graveside services will follow. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Daniel Davenport-Freedman says
My name was Danny Davenport, I worked for Buck and Jerry Sue at Camp Davidson near Sisters Oregon, Buck was one of the most interesting people I’ve ever know. I loved him and Jerry Sue who treated me like one of the family. I Have never forgotten them or the kids. I live in Israel now, and I can say Buck and Jerry Sue are two of the people I think of most often as two amazing human beings that had a big direct effect on my life.
Kiffany says
He was my neighbor and a loving man. My husband and I loved is chats! We could’ve asked for better neighbor’s. Him and his wife were always there to give us a helping hand. He will be missed by us and so many others. I Pray that is wife Jerry Sue finds comfort in knowing he’s in heaven and that she has all the support she needs! May he rest in Jesus arms and all the loved ones that waited for him in Heaven! Rest easy Buck. We love you! ❤️