The Legacy of a 1960s Fair Haven Mayor

By Elaine Van Develde

A gentleman with an enigmatic smile who loved his community is how 1960s Fair Haven Mayor Jim Buckley is remembered.

Buckley passed away on June 27 at the age of 93. He had lived in Fair Haven for more than 50 years (56, to be exact). In addition to being mayor, he served on Borough Council and was president of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School Board of Education, a longstanding parishioner at Church of the Nativity and a member of the Fair Haven Fire Department.

"I have such a vivid memory of him," said Lisa Glover on legacy.com's memory book. "Always, the true gentleman, and a kind man, who was so much part of our community in New Jersey (Fair Haven and Rumson)."

"We will miss Jim and his wonderful smile," said Armido (Siggy) and Family. "God bless you all."

Jim Buckley, back when he was mayor, in 1968, was also a pioneer commuter activist of sorts.

According to the Jan. 23, 1968 edition of the Daily Register, Buckley started a watchdog group, the Municipal Public Service Coordinating Committee (MPSCC).
 
Mayor James T. Buckley, who said he had spent 'the worst two weeks' riding commuter trains last night appointed himself (to the MPSCC committee)," the story said. "MPSCC is a transportation and utility watchdog group made up of members of the governing bodies of nine nearby towns …"

Here's the clincher, and reason why he could be referred to as a pioneer commuter: Buckley was the ONLY commuter on the governing body at the time, according to the story. Now, that's telling. For one of the biggest commuter hubs in the area, those numbers could easily be reversed today.

It was also a seeming revelation that not only was commuting tough on the psyche, but it was time consuming.

Buckley, who was "one of New York's most prominent estate planning attorney" at the time, according to his obituary, said that he "kept records for two weeks, and they indicate he is spending an average of four hours a day on commuting," the Register story said. "He called the railroad equipment 'unbelievable' and said he felt real estate values in the area would be affected if there is no improvement."

Now there are ferries, people telecommute and real estate values are, well, far beyond affordable for those with a median income.

The same issue of the Register had a story on Fair Haven's budget, which Fair Havenites of today may need to look at twice to make sure the figures are correct.

"The municipal budget — up $13,722 over 1967's — calls for $228,278 in taxes … The tax levy is expected to cost property owners 66 cents per $100 of assessed valuation," the story said.

While officials have boasted that Fair Haven's tax rate has remained level for six years, they may enjoy giving the news Buckley had to give residents in 1968, which was considered earth-shattering, because that budget called for a 29-cent hike.

Jim Buckley, who spent his last eight years living in Seabrook Village, Tinton Falls, leaves behind his legacy in Fair Haven as well as family.

The graduate of Xavier Preparatory School in Manhattan, St. Peter's College, Jersey City and Fordham Law, Manhattan is survived by his wife, Helen Reilly Buckley; his children, Margaret B. Johnson, and her husband Jack J., of Madison, Jay, and his wife Peggy, Dame, of Oregon, Christopher D., and his wife Jenny Wood, of Fair Haven, David G., and his wife Dr. Laura Saavedra, of New Mexico, and Barbara B. Milliken. and her husband Mark, of New Hampshire.

He is predeceased by his parents, James T. and Celestine Roche Buckley, and his first wife, Margaret H. Buckley.