James Lewis Faulkner

James Lewis Faulkner (71) passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2023 following an aggressive progression of liver cancer. Having lived in the Close Park neighborhood for nearly 30 years, James/Jim may be better known as “Mr. Buddy”, a moniker sweetly bestowed on him by the neighborhood kids who understood who truly was in charge - his 10lbs soaking wet yorkie poo Buddy and his furry companion Rudy. Jim’s gentle, loving nature extended well beyond the puppies he came to care for late in life. He was a devoted husband of nearly 40 years to Kathleen (Schuller). He was the world’s absolute best father to Mandi, Kristi (Maria Gahry), Amy (Matt Kovach) and Janelle (Marcial Trejo), and proudly held the title of “Poppy” to his 7 beloved grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Born in Toledo to Allen and Rita (Bodette) Faulkner in 1952, Jim is one of 6 siblings including John, Linda, Gerald (Kathleen), Jeff (Mary Frances), and Mary (James). Jim attended Regina Caeli grade school before transforming into a hunky Spartan heartthrob at Roy C Start High School where he played football and basketball. While a college degree was not in the cards for Jim, his education never stopped. His impressively long list (25) of employers from his youth encapsulates Jim’s dedicated work ethic that he perfected during his 30+ years working for the City of Toledo Water Department. After retiring in 2008, Jim kept busy with a brief but memorable stint at Jo Jo’s Pizza before fully committing to life as a Trophy Husband and neighborhood helper.

Jim loved great food, camping, reading, gardening, the most boring PBS programs (as his children can attest), breakfast with “the boys”, spoiling his children and grandchildren, giving tours of all the utility lines he helped install around the city of Toledo, catching people up on the latest pop culture news, and holding court in his driveway for all the neighbors to stop by to visit and chat.

Most of all, Jim loved his family and friends. A full page ad is needed to individually list all of his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family, and friends who he considered family. He would drop everything to help someone in need and was always there to lend a hand or an ear. Jim knew how to weave a tale better than anyone, so in honor of his life, the family invites you to prepare to share your best story about Jim during a special story hour at the culmination of the visitation.

Visitation services will be held Thursday June 15, 2023 from 2-8pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623. A short scripture service will begin at 6 pm immediately followed by the story hour. Funeral services will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2240 Castlewood Dr., Toledo, on Friday, June 16th, with visitation from 10-11 am and Mass at 11 am, followed by the Zavotski’s luncheon he always wanted. Memorial donations may be made out to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Most Blessed Sacrament Parish Outreach Program, in Jim's honor.