James Budde

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.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.