James E Funk

James E. ("Bud") Funk of Medford, NJ passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2025 at
the age of ninety-seven with his family by his side. He is predeceased by his beloved wife
Lorraine J. Funk. Bud leaves his children Susan Marks (Peter), Diane Karvoski (John), Janice
Bergstein (Barry), Anita Sebastian (Don), Jim Funk (Diane), Joseph Funk (Melanie), his ten
grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.
Bud was born in Altoona, PA on July 19, 1927. His childhood was a happy one, despite growing
up in The Great Depression. His family made the most of life with picnics at state parks,
chowing down on ground bologna and pickle sandwiches. He enjoyed summers as a Boy Scout
at Camp Juniata and day trips to see the cherry blossoms bloom in DC. In high school, a bicycle
ride and an elaborate matchmaking plan by his cousin, Charlie, led him to meet the love of his
life and wife of seventy-five years, Lorraine. In a memoir he wrote, he called meeting her the
highlight of his childhood. Bud earned his diploma from Altoona High School and left his senior
year to serve in the Navy, an opportunity to serve his country during WWII and travel. He said
letters from his sweetheart, Lorraine, were what he looked forward to the most while he was at
sea. After serving, Bud used his strong work ethic to work his way up at International Harvester
from a janitor to Manager of Part Sales for the Eastern Region. He retired after almost 50 years
and spent his days traveling with Lorraine (making over fifteen treasured trips to Hawaii),
becoming a master woodworker, and following his Red Sox and his Villanova Wildcats.
Lorraine and Bud were the proud parents of six children who considered him a hero. In fact,
they once witnessed him diving into the ocean in Maine to save a boy from drowning in the
freezing waters. A blizzard could not stop Bud from witnessing his daughters cheering or his
sons playing hockey. He later did the same for his grandchildren, too. He was the fun dad who
would sled down the hills with his kids at Fairview Park and teach his kids to twirl on ice skates
(which may have ended with a gash on his forehead). He was also an accomplished storyteller
who loved to hold court, keeping his children captivated by his tales. Being the amazing man
that he was, it was an easy decision for his children to return home to help take care of him and
Lorraine in their later years.
To Bud's grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was an absolute legend. He was known for
his hand trumpet wake-up calls, his seaweed mustaches, and the best homemade ice cream.
He was a constant provider of popsicles, the master of flipping saddle blankets, and he never
turned down a game of catch. They all looked forward to his running leaps into the ocean at
Cape Cod on the annual family vacation, his last dive being days after his 97th birthday. He'll
forever be thought of when they hear On Top of Old Smokey or hear a funny joke. His favorite
was "What did the big rose say to the little rose? Hey, Bud." He laughed with his whole body and
brought joy to everyone around him.
A private service for the family will be held to honor Bud in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Samaritan Hospice
(https://www.samaritannj.org).