James Edward Buckner, 63, of Athens, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Andrew and Anna Lou Wilburn Buckner, and was preceded in death by a one son, Tracy Lee Buckner, on June 7, 2008; and one sister, JoAnn Buckner. An employee with TVA for 28 years, he was a member of Meridian Sun Lodge 50 F&AM, and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, serving with the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Philadelphia United Methodist Church, and served as a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Maxine Monroe Buckner of Athens; one son and two daughters-in-law, Dan and Christy Buckner of Etowah, and Lisa Brooks Buckner of Athens; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Cora Wilburn of Knoxville, Thomas and Shirley Buckner of Sweetwater, and Frankie and Sue Buckner of Athens; one sister, Delores McKeehan of Niota; four grandchildren, Megan Celeste Buckner, Maison Buckner, Mavrick Buckner and Makinlee Buckner; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Buddy Hauk and the Rev. Helen Shaw officiating. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday in McMinn Memory Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Reed Daily, Scott Harris, Daniel Winder, Carl Shaw, Richard Reese, Ron Hyde, Conrad Brooks and Don Harris.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com