James Gerard Buckheit

 James Gerard “Jim” Buckheit, 60, of Sacramento, CA died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, breaking the hearts of his family and friends. 

Born in Queens, NY to Joanne B. and James J. Buckheit, Jim was raised in Merrick, NY until his family relocated upstate to Penfield, NY — a suburb of Rochester — when he was a teen. 

Thus began Jim’s fervent, lifelong love affair with Rochester. While living in the Flower City area, he graduated from Bishop Kearney High School and earned an associate’s degree with distinction from Monroe Community College, a bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College, and a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York Brockport. 

Affable and loyal, Jim made many lasting friendships in Rochester. He was especially fulfilled by serving on the first board of directors of Fortunate Families, which was founded by Catholic religious and lay leaders to compassionately minister to gay and lesbian Catholics and their families. 

Well after moving to Sacramento in 2008, and often clad in his beloved Buffalo Bills jersey, Jim found many ways to drop into conversation Rochester’s many virtues – lilacs, frigid temperatures, jello, Abbott’s Frozen Custard, and (of course), Wegmans. 

On the west coast, Jim continued what eventually became a 30-year career in health care administration and management. Most recently, he was employed at California’s Department of Health Care Services, where he was highly regarded for his knowledge and dedication. 

Jim found a deep sense of belonging in Sacramento’s LGBT community. On Sunday evenings for 17 years, he faithfully competed in River City Bowlers, Sacramento’s oldest LGBTQ+ bowling league, for which he served as treasurer. Every Friday you’d find him socializing at The Depot, the Merc, Mango’s, or Roscoe’s. 

Nostalgic and fun-loving, Jim delighted in connecting and reconnecting with friends and relatives near and far. He had an uncanny memory for family history, childhood misadventures, recipes, movies, and show tunes. 

Jim loved to tell a good story, which was often punctuated by his hearty laugh. He enjoyed countless happy hours, holidays, concerts, and outings with his dear friends, Chuck, Steven, Joe, Randy, Brandon, Mario, Jonathan, and Leslie and Ann. He reveled in the company of his friends on many trips, including to the Mediterranean, Hawaii, Mexico, New Orleans, and Palm Springs. 

Jim was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by his siblings, Carol Buckheit (Omayra Rodriguez) of Bloomfield, CT, Christine Skinner (Michael) of Downingtown, PA, Janet Getz of Hagerstown, MD, Steven Buckheit (Eileen) of Durham, CT, and Mary Buckheit of Palm Beach, FL. He also leaves his beloved nieces and nephews — Brandon, Jacob, Logan, Emily, Alyssa, Katie, Cade, Shane, Addisen, and Violet — and throngs of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family. 

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be planned for early 2025 in Sacramento. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to one of his favorite nonprofits, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, 1015 20th St, Sacramento, CA 95811 (saccenter.org).