Dr. James F. Budde
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Dr. James Budde passed away on November 28 at 85. Jim was born on January 26, 1937, in Wisner, Nebraska to Fritz and Marge Budde, the oldest of two children. He graduated from Wisner High School in 1955 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 73rd Tank Battalion in Korea, and remained a proud veteran for the rest of his life. After his service, Jim enrolled in Wayne State College (Nebraska) in 1958. When he graduated, Jim became an art teacher and coach at Omaha Technical High School. In 1964, he and Jane Samson of Omaha were wed and remained happily married for 58 years. Jim received a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1967. In 1970, Jim moved his family to Lawrence to take a job at the University of Kansas, where he earned his Ed.D. in 1976. Jim worked at KU for 35 years and in 1980 founded the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University. Jim served as the director until his retirement in 2005. He was a founder of Independence Incorporated, was president and a longtime board member of Cottonwood, Inc., and worked tirelessly throughout his life to advocate for those with physical and mental disabilities. Jim was an active member of his church community, and believed that service to others was part of his duty to God, and one he took to heart. Jim was a loving husband, a caring and supporting father, and a doting grandfather. In addition to his wife Jane, he is survived by his brother Gary; son Chip and daughter-in-law Sueanna; daughter Anne Broz and son-in-law Jon; grandchildren John Budde, Sophia Broz, Luke Budde.
Services will be held at 10:30 on Friday, December 2nd at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Lawrence.
Donations to the Dr. James F. Budde and Family Endowed Scholarship at Wayne State College (Wayne, NE) or St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (Lawrence) in lieu of flowers would be appreciated and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Chip & family,
So sorry for your loss….
My condolences to Jane and the family. As a fellow teacher, I will miss Jim Budde’s friendship and for setting a high bar for us all in what we call “a true friend.”
Jane, I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
He was truly an authentic and kind human being. He will be sadly missed by so many. I will remember the many kindnesses he did for all of us at St. Margaret’s.
Ed and I are so grateful to have developed a “walking, talking” friendship with Jim in our retirement years. We will miss his company and remember him with respect and affection. Our condolences go to you, Jane, and to Chip and Anne.
Oh Jane..Jim and I are so sorry…our hearts hurt for you and Chip and Anne.. please know we love you…I guess now he will be playing the lottery in heaven…maybe he and Jimmy can swap war stories..
Hugs to you all
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Such a great guy and accomplished person. Had many fun times walking and talking with Jim. He will be missed.
Jane, my condolences go out to you and your family. I was so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Good friends like you and Jim are To be treasured. I will certainly miss him.
Jane, we are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a tremendous inspiration to the world around him.
May the Lord comfort you and the family.
Missing you both,
Richard and Renee Budde
My heart goes out to you, Jane, and Chip and Anne, as well. I always felt comfortable around Jim. He was funny, dedicated, and caring. These traits will always live on in his family. That is a powerful legacy to treasure.
I was so sorry to read about Jim’s passing. What a special man. I am thinking of you all at this sad time.
Please accept our deepest condolences. The thoughts of many are with you and your family. Jim touched many lives and laid the ground work in our community for independent living for people with disabilities. Through every act and decision we honor his memory.
Independence, Inc.
Jane, Chip and family: May God have mercy on the repose of Jim’s soul. He was a good man and I am so glad that our paths crossed via Kansas football. Jane, I know exactly how you feel right now, rest assured there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Love and prayers,
Charles Fritch
So sorry for your loss. I know his memory is a blessing. Ordinarily I would have been at his funeral to pay tribute, but as you know I am immunocompromised and can’t be around people. Know that Earl and my thoughts are prayers are with you.
Jim led such an interesting life as I learned during exercise at the rec center, coffee with the old guys following exercise, and at PV watching a KU BB game. He was a good person who will be missed. My condolences to Jane and their family.
Jane, Chip and Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you will miss Jim. He was indeed a kind and caring person.
Dear Jane & Chip,
We were so saddened to learn about Jim’s homegoing. Praying for your whole family through this season and the upcoming year of firsts without him here to celebrate with. I’m sorry we didn’t know in time to come to his service. We are thinking of you all!
Thinking of your family as you share memories during this difficult time. The loss of someone so special hard. He will be celebrating Christmas with Fritz and Marge. PEASE
Dear Jane, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of an unforgettable fellow “8 o’clocker”. He has left us with beautiful memories; he will be greatly missed! My condolences, and prayers to you and your family.
Dear Jane, Chip and family. I truly am sorry at the passing a Jim who was a dear friend. I was blessed to know Jim, a great friend and an excellent model railroader. Jim was a very wise and God fearing man with a Big heart, great personality who always seemed to have a friendly smile and a big hand shake! I will always remember his great friendship and fatherly wisdom.