NWA Capt. Michael G Buckley

 ~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, NWA Capt. Michael G Buckley

May 23, 1940 ~ September 3, 2026

In 1965, fortune smiled again when Northwest Airlines hired him at the young age of 25 and by age 29, he had obtained the position of Captain on the B-727........

Michael joined Northwest Airlines 08-02-1965 and retired with Northwest in 2000.  He is survived by his wife Jerri, and by his children and their families.

Respecting Mike’s wishes, a cremation and private simple family service was held.

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/michael-buckley   

Michael G Buckley's Obituary

BUCKLEY, Michael G. age 86, formerly of Yakima, WA, entered into eternal life on September 3, 2026 at his home in Fountain Hills, AZ after a long and courageous battle with cancer and Parkinson’s. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Jerri; daughter Elizabeth (Scott) Burke; sons, Ryan and Scott (Francine); five grandchildren, Shane, Benjamin, Charlotte, Samantha and Alexandra. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother John.

Mike graduated in 1959 from Eisenhower High School in Yakima and in 1960, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving 6 years and specializing in medium and heavy-duty tanks. He received a full skiing scholarship to Montana State University where he majored in Pre-med and was a proud Brother of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He worked summers as a Hotshot Fire Jumper and semi-truck driver and in 1964, he graduated MSU with a B.A.Sc. degree. He was a premier collegiate alpine skier who achieved national prominence and in 1962, he was named to the NCAA All-American Ski Team.

In the fall of 1964, fortune came his way and he was offered an opening in a flying school in Helena, MT. On a whim, he began flying lessons and received his Commercial and Instrument Certificates, along with Ground and Flight Instructor ratings. His love of flying was born. In 1965, fortune smiled again when Northwest Airlines hired him at the young age of 25 and by age 29, he had obtained the position of Captain on the B-727. During the Vietnam War, he flew voluntary Military Air Command (MAC) missions aboard the B-707/320 aircraft into Cam Ranh Bay and Da Nang. A highly respected pilot, he remained at Northwest for 35 years, also having flown the B-720, DC-10 and B-747 aircraft. In 1996, he met his soulmate and one true love, Jerri, at a crew breakfast table in Manila and together they built a beautiful life sharing a remarkable and admired love story. They completed their dreams of creating their “together” home in Arizona, traveling the world, and living in a log cabin in the Canadian wilderness. They were inseparable and truly lived their “Best Life". Mike retired in 2000 after spending his final 16 years at Northwest flying internationally as Captain on the B-747.

Upon retirement, Mike volunteered with the Commemorative Air Force’s Arizona Wing, where he flew the B-17G Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey" Warbird for eight years and served as Wing Operations Officer. He also obtained his CE-500 type rating for the Cessna Citation business jet. His love of flying never wavered, even after his Parkinson’s diagnoses grounded him.

Always a gentleman, Mike was well known for his kindness, humility, caring for others and his sincere quiet strength. He was completely and effortlessly always himself and met everyone with honesty, warmth and ease. He was profoundly loved and respected by his family and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. His family invites everyone to privately celebrate his life in their own meaningful ways, whether it be raising a glass at sunset, watching the contrails of a high-flying jet or simply remembering his gentle spirit. Respecting Mike’s wishes, a cremation and private simple family service was held.

Published on Legacy.com November 11, 2026