James Buckley, American Statesman

James Lane Buckley, statesman of paramount dignity, cheer, wisdom, and temperament; loyal servant of his country, its Founding ideals, the Catholic faith he dearly embraced and practiced, the modern conservative movement, whose Valhalla he occupies, this saddened journalistic institution founded by his remarkable brother; and a fierce friend and champion — as he was to the causes of federalism, the precious unborn, and the Almighty’s good earth — has been called home by that same Creator he loved. He passed away peacefully Friday morning, having gotten and given every full measure of the 100 years and five months during which he lived amongst us as a most important figure in modern American history.

To think — all he ever wanted to be was a country attorney in the northwestern hills of Connecticut. Alas, if that was to be his fate, he should not have been born into the Buckley clan.

About the Author

Jack Fowler

Jack Fowler is a contributing editor at National Review and a senior philanthropy consultant at American Philanthropic.

Featured Tags

James Lane Buckley, statesman of paramount dignity, cheer, wisdom, and temperament; loyal servant of his country, its Founding ideals, the Catholic faith he dearly embraced and practiced, the modern conservative movement, whose Valhalla he occupies, this saddened journalistic institution founded by his remarkable brother; and a fierce friend and champion — as he was to the causes of federalism, the precious unborn, and the Almighty’s good earth — has been called home by that same Creator he loved. He passed away peacefully Friday morning, having gotten and given every full measure of the 100 years and five months during which he lived amongst us as a most important figure in modern American history.

To think — all he ever wanted to be was a country attorney in the northwestern hills of Connecticut. Alas, if that was to be his fate, he should not have been born into the Buckley clan.