The Life & Legacy of the Honorable
John W. Buckner
Sunrise September 12, 1947 - Sunset May 28, 2015
Husband - The Honorable John W. Buckner was born, September 12, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Robert G. Buckner, Jr. and Rachel D. Hardrick Buckner. He was the second of four children and had two brothers: Robert G. (Eva0 Buckner III, Stephen L. (Debra) Buckner, and a sister, Beverly A. (Rex) Williamson. John was baptized at an early age at Allen Chapel A.M.E Church, where his family was amongst the founding members, and his uncle was the church Bishop. John remained a faithful member at Allen Chapel, and considered New Hope Baptist his church home in Denver. John graduated from Shortridge High School in 1965 before enrolling at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he was a founding father through the Zeta Phi chapter, and Basileus of the Upsilon Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity incorporated. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1969.
The Early Years - It was at Ball State where John met Janet during their freshman year. They married in Lawrenceburg, Indiana on August 16, 1969, and were married for 45 glorious years. Shortly after their marriage, John and Janet moved to Elgin, Illinois, where John began his career in the Cherry Creek School District as an assistant principal at Laredo Middle School. Throughout his 33- year career with Cherry Creek, John served as an administrator in many capacities, rising to the rank of Executive Director of Excellence and Equity, from which he retired in 2008.
Educator - John is best known and most proud of his role as Principal of Overland High Scholl, a position he held for 17 years. He was an unabashed advocate for equality in public schools, and the impact he had on students reaches far beyond the classroom, John was exceptionally perceptive of his student’s needs and fought tirelessly for educational innovations to help youth achieve their full potential. In return, he asked for nothing less than their effort. He was ever- present on the sidelines at Overland sporting events, and was proud of every accomplishment of the Overland community, especially Overland’s first 5A Boys State Basketball Championship in 2015. John touched countless lives, a surrogate father to many, who empowered people to achieve their dreams. He stands as an icon of the Overland community, whose legacy he himself found humbling. John had a passion for learning and considered knowledge a reward in itself. He completed coursework to meet PhD requirements at the University of Colorado at Denver. It was his love of learning and kind nature that enabled his accomplished career as an educator and community leader. The gym at Overland High School is named in his honor, and the STEM Institute of Science and Technology at the Overland-Prairie Campus is the realization of John’s vision and commitment to provide students with the advantages required to succeed.
Public Servant - John served on the boards of the Colorado Institute for Educational Inquiry, the Multi- Cultural Task Force for Cherry Creek Schools, and the Colorado State Board. He retired from Cherry Creek in 2008; however, his dedication to public service and advocacy for equity in public education led him to accept a second career calling to run for elected office as the State Representative for House District 40 in Aurora, Colorado. John was the first African American and Democrat to win HD40. He used his cerebral nature, good humor, and caring heart to express his values as a legislator. He sponsored legislation and passed bills that aligned with his ideals; that every student, regardless of income level or race, is given equal opportunities in the classroom to effectively prepare for postsecondary education and the workforce. At the Capitol, John enacted that now requires the State of Colorado to measure opportunity gaps in course- taking patterns, as well as the reduction of standardized testing.
Family Man - John was an avid sports fan and jazz enthusiast. His holiday parties are those of legend, and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and a wide network of close family and friends. John is survived by loving wife, Janet P. Buckner of Aurora, Colorado. His son, John William (Erin) Buckner resides in Denver, twin daughters, Jennifer Erin (Floyd) Cobb of Aurora, and Joy Elizabeth Buckner of Dubai, UAE. His greatest joy was seeing his children and their families flourish. He regarded raising children as life’s greatest blessing- and one of the most fulfilling gifts that “Gramps” was given were his three grandchildren: Sydney, Ashlyn, and Darien.