It is with heavy hearts that we must mourn the passing of James L. Buckley, a prominent figure in American politics and law who has recently passed away at the age of 100.
A former Senator from New York and judge on the U.S. appeals court for the District of Columbia Circuit, his contributions to both the legislative and judicial branches have left an everlasting legacy on our nation as a whole.
At the time of his death, he was also recognized as being the oldest living former senator in office.
One of eleven children born to William Frank Buckley Sr., James was part of an influential family steeped in conservative ideology whose roots were firmly planted within America’s political landscape long before his own entrance into public service began.
His brother, William F. Buckley Jr., co-founded one of America’s most famous conservative publications: The National Review – which continues to be published today as a leading voice for conservatism throughout our national discourse.
The start of James’ journey began in 1970 when he ran and won a term representing New York’s senate seat under the Conservative Party ticket – making him only one of few third-party candidates ever elected to do so at any level within government within US history–a feat that remains unchallenged to this day.
Unfortunately, his bid for reelection four years later under the Republican Party nomination failed, resulting in Daniel Patrick Moynihan successfully securing the position instead during that election cycle.
Despite not winning back his seat after 1976, many would argue that it was merely just another step along James’ path towards making more lasting contributions to American government through other means outside conventional politics altogether.
He served roles within both President Reagan’s administration and eventually being appointed as a judge on President Reagan’s United States Court Of Appeals For The District Of Columbia Circuit where he served from 1985 until 1996 when he officially retired from active duty status transitioning instead into senior judge role thereafter.
It was during this time period that Sen Mike Lee (R-UT) praised him highly upon his 100th birthday celebration honoring him for all that he had done up until then – deeming him nothing short than “heroic” figure not just among fellow senators but across entire country given how much respect held among peers based off interactions between two men over time.
