James Allen “Jim” Budd passed away on April 4, 2026, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. While his passing is a profound loss to all who knew and loved him, we find comfort in celebrating a life well lived and in holding close the many wonderful memories he leaves behind.
Jim was born on February 16, 1951, in New Castle, Indiana, to Barbara Marie and Clifford Dale Budd, who preceded him in death. He spent his youth in Indiana and was the eldest of six siblings: Gail, Pat, Janet, Sharon, and John.
In 1969, following high school, Jim joined the United States Navy, where he served with distinction for 20 years. He began his career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and retired as a Petty Officer First Class. After his military service, he continued his dedication to caring for others by joining the radiology department at Walter Reed, where he remained committed to serving his fellow service members.
Though his time in the Navy was filled with meaningful experiences, Jim would likely say that his greatest adventure—and his greatest joy—was the birth of his son, Nicholas.
Jim was a man of eclectic interests and strong opinions. He loved movies, books, radio dramas, history, fishing, and collecting knowledge about weapons. He had a remarkable ability to know a little about everything—and a lot about many things—and he eagerly shared his thoughts with anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. He took pride in sharing his passions with his son: the world of kung fu films— Rumble in the Bronx was a must-watch —as well as photography, the thrilling adventures of The Shadow, and the simple joy of fishing, where Nick caught his first fish with Jim at a lake in Waco, Texas.
Jim was, in many ways, a man of contrasts—both quiet and outspoken, steadfast yet surprising, passionate, and deeply generous. He was most at home behind a camera. Whether in a forest filled with wildlife, at a wedding celebrating a new beginning, or at a historical reenactment surrounded by cannon smoke and period dress, Jim approached photography with patience and care. Adjusting his glasses and waiting for just the right moment, he captured images that preserved fleeting moments in time.
Jim is survived by his son, Nicholas Paul (Kaylea) Budd of Georgetown, Texas; and his siblings: Gail Lynn (Thomas) Needham of Centerville, Virginia; Thomas Pat (Leta) Budd of Greensburg, Indiana; Janet Lea (Al) Budd of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sharon Michelle (Roy) Palmer of Dry Ridge, Kentucky; and John Dennis Budd of Madison, Indiana. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The Budd family invites you to join them in remembering Jim. A visitation will be held at Meyers Funeral Home on Friday, April 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will follow at Church on the Rock on Saturday, April 18, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Rossburg Cemetery in New Point, IN, with military honors conducted by Batesville VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to one of Jim’s favorite charities, United Soldiers and Sailors of America https://www.usasoa.org/donate.
Family and friends may share memories or messages of comfort for Jim’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.