James Wiley Budden

James Wiley Budden,
Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, entrepreneur, and friend died on Friday, June 11th, 2021 at the age of 79. He will be profoundly missed by his family and the many people he inspired and influenced.

James Wiley Budden was born to Helen and James Henry Budden on September 2, 1941, in Haven, Kansas. Jim was a graduate of Montezuma High School in Parke County, Indiana.  He later graduated from Indiana State University where he studied business administration.

Following college, Jim moved to Indianapolis to work in banking at American Fletcher National Bank. He eventually stepped away from corporate banking to pursue an independent career with a commercial mortgage banking company, KMS Mortgage & Investment Company in 1971 with his mentor Al Savill. Later, Jim went on to develop and operate self-storage facilities with then The Holding Company, known as “The Hold Self Storage” with his partner, Kurt O’Brien.

Jim was a sports fanatic. He loved to tell sports stories, dive into sports stats, and play basketball and tennis; but, he was most passionate about golf. Upon retirement, Jim and his wife, Janine, moved to Orlando, Florida and resided in the golf community of Lake Nona. Jim loved to play golf, go to the driving and putting range, read about golf, learn golf statistics, teach golf to his friends and family, and watch golf on t.v. and in person.

Jim’s personality was grand - he was friendly, outgoing, welcoming, charming, and funny. He loved his family and friends fiercely, and Jim always made sure everyone felt included. Jim made a point to attend all of his children’s and grandchildren’s school events, sports events, plays, concerts, graduations, and parties with great pride and enthusiastic support.

Jim’s greatest love was for his wife, his family, good music, good jokes, and a genuinely good hard belly laugh. Jim’s sense of humor remained intact until the very end. One of the quotes Jim appreciated is, “Surprise me.” - Bob Hope, comedian (when his wife asked where he wanted to be buried).

Jim is survived by his wife, Janine Budden; brothers, Herb Budden (Bonnie) and Mark Budden (Cass); children, Lori (Jim) Adams, Jill (John) Baker, Cari Smulyan, and Brad Smulyan (Leslie); and 6 grandchildren, Jaidyn, James, Marley, Max, Liam, and Quinn.

Pursuant to Jim’s request, there will be no formal funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.

Friends may leave a message of condolence or sign the guest book at www.arnmortuary.com.