James Alan "Jim" Budde

1945 - 2024

James Alan Budde (Jim), 78, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, in Harahan, Louisiana. Jim was born on September 25, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to John Emile Budde Sr. and Miriam Braud Budde. Jim ("Boobie" to family) developed a love for cars, engines, and everything mechanical in his early teens. He became very knowledgeable and soon was repairing and installing larger engines in his cars, and of course, making them go faster. It was not surprising that Jim's love for engines led him to become an aircraft repair technician in the U.S. Navy. He served for two years repairing aircraft for VP2, a U.S. Navy anti-submarine patrol squadron. Until just recently, James stayed in contact with his Navy buddies and attended many of the bi-annual squadron reunions. After his discharge, he worked as a contract aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam repairing U.S. Army aircraft. Unfortunately, his career was cut short by an accident which left him suffering with seizures and aphasia. Fortunately, after the passage of a few years, Jim substantially overcame the aphasia and seizures and became a social butterfly. He never met a stranger. Fifteen minutes after he entered a room or a restaurant, he was chatting up everyone near him as if he had known them his entire life. Jim was a quite talented and avid pool player. He and his teammates had success locally and once advanced to a national tournament in Las Vegas. He loved both the camaraderie and competition aspects of the game. He also loved playing poker, blackjack, hearts and bourre. He was a very gifted card player with a phenomenal ability to remember cards played. You played cards with him at your own peril. Jim's big heart and winning smile endured him to all who met him. He was always willing to help out, no matter how huge the task. Jim most cherished those moments spent with family and friends. His favorite saying, "Take it easy!" always was added to his good-byes. He is survived by 3 brothers and their wives, John Budde Jr. (Margaret), Kenneth Budde (Hella), Thomas Budde Sr. (Jacki), and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Garden of Memories Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, La. 70001. Please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com to sign the guestbook. Jim always had a kind place in his heart for the less fortunate. One of his favorite charities was the Salvation Army. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Salvation Army online at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ or by mail to 4526 S. Claiborne Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125.