James "Jim" R. Budde

James R. “Jim” Budde, 75, of Bellevue, Iowa departed this life on Earth for his eternal home in Heaven on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Memorial Service with Military Honors conducted by Bellevue American Legion Post #273 will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Bellevue State Park-Nelson Unit. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow.

Jim was born December 27, 1948, the son of Orville and Ila (Sommers) Budde. He attended Bellevue High School with the Class of 1967. Jim proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1969, during which time he married Barbara Dondlinger on June 5, 1968. He was a member of the Bellevue American Legion and a proud board member of the St. Donatus Community Club from 1975-2018 and an activist for building the vision of the current Community Club ballpark.

While working a full-time job, Jim was very successful at various life adventures including: the achievement of his personal pilot license and owning a Cessna airplane, starting up a poultry hatchery business, raising purebred coonhounds, and building a top dairy herd with the help of his loyal cattle dog, Onery. Later in life he took joy in working in construction, landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, and shooting guns with his children and grandchildren and he also was a successful basketball league coach in Dubuque. Jim also was very passionate about U.S. politics and fought for the U.S. Constitution. His patriotism was strong during the 4th of July celebrations this year as he thoroughly enjoyed one last hurrah with his family and friends. He delighted in showing his patriotism during the parade, visiting the park, firing up the old Industrial tractor, dancing to Wipe Out, showcasing his ‘Jacked Up’ 2005 Chevy Silverado, and drinking a shot with the family during an afternoon of reminiscing. Jim will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara; children: Tammy Michels, Brian (Kim) Budde, and Tracey (Danny) Hager; 11 grandchildren: Christian, McKenna, Carson, Ireland, Declan, Cashlan, Adylan, Allison, Nicholas, Joseph, & Justine; 2 great-grandchildren: Easton, Macklyn; siblings, Dale Budde (Norma Vaughn), Marilynn (Dale) Junk, Doris Felderman, Tom Budde, Kevin (Jean) Budde, Yvette McLimans, Marcia Budde, Brent Budde, Troy Budde, and Todd Budde; sisters and brothers in-law, Robbin, Chris, Cheryl, Nancy, Marlene (Mark) Cloos, Peg (Dean) Lux, and Brad (Roxanne) Dondlinger; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Ila Budde; father and mother in-law, Merlin and Rosemary Dondlinger; siblings, Glenn, Raymond “Buster”, Marla, John, and Blayne Budde; brothers in-law, Leroy Felderman, Fred McLimans, and Dave Felderman.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Dick Budde, Mike Knake, Mark Guenther, John Millman, W.P. Millman, Scott Millman, Steve Kundert, and Bruce Gibson.

A memorial fund has been established in Jim’s memory.

Jim was a deep believer in God, his Country, and his family. To save America we must trust in God. We must support the Conservatives if we want to save ‘One Nation, under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All’.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com