James H. “Jim” Arbuckle, LtCol USAF (Ret)
August 8, 1942 – May 21, 2024
Age 81
James “Jim” Arbuckle passed away May 21, 2024 in Omaha, Nebraska. Jim was born in Steubenville, Ohio to James and Sarah Arbuckle. Jim grew up in the Reading, Pennsylvania area, graduating from Schuylkill Valley High School. Jim continued his education at the Pennsylvania State University earning a BS degree in Agricultural Science and Industry. Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. Jim further earned an MS degree in Business Management from Troy State University. While at Penn State, Jim met Pamela Reese with whom he enjoyed fifty five wonderful years of marriage. Jim served in the Air Force for twenty eight years as a navigator in RC 135s and as an administrator. Upon retiring Jim became active in his community building twenty four homes for Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County and serving on that Board. He also was active on the National Ski Patrol, as a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol and for Pilots and Paws, a member of the Penn State Development Committee and St James United Methodist Church. Jim and Pam’s love of travel and adventure took them to all continents and numerous foreign countries.
Husband, father, grandfather and brother, Jim’s greatest love was his family of which he was exceedingly proud. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law Edwin and Dyllis Reese. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; children, Jennifer Seeger and Steven Arbuckle; son-in-law, Tim Seeger; grandchildren, Reese, Davin and Claire Seeger; sister, Elizabeth Doran (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Barbara Reese and Judith Browne and nephews, Ted, Bradley and Jefferey Doran and Michael Browne.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorial contributions to Homes for Our Troops, 6 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years Pamela; daughter Jennifer Seeger (Tim), son Steven Arbuckle; grandchildren Reese, Davin & Claire Seeger; sister Elizabeth Doran (Dennis); sisters-in-law Barbara Reese, Judith Browne; nephews Charles, Bradley, Jeffrey Doran & Michael Browne.
He was preceded in death by his parents James & Sarah Arbuckle; in-laws Edwin & Dyllis Reese.
Visitation: Monday, June 24, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. followed by a
Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., St. James United Methodist Church, Franklin Campus, 1501 Franklin Street, Bellevue 68005.
To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link below.
Committal Service: Omaha National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
Military Honors: Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard
4 Comments
Godspeed my friend.
RIP. Jim and I spent many hours together in the RC-135 Cockpit and deployed to numerous locations. Always a professional and best of all a friend. Prayers for his family.
I had the pleasure of working for Lt Col Arbuckle as Training Manager in the 55th Headquarters Squadron at Offutt AFB. Lt Col Arbuckle was one of the kindest commanders I worked for in my 20 years of military service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jim & I were acquainted through CAP-NEWG. He was a wholly decent & self-giving man, from an earlier generation. Jim exemplified that ‘best’ of a now largely departed breed of God fearing, morally circumspect officers & leaders. Godspeed, Colonel. You shall be missed by those many whose lives you touched.
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