James Earnest Budden, Sr. was born in Sumter, South Carolina on December 8, 1944.  He was the beloved son of the late London Budden, Sr. and Mary Frierson Budden.

He received his formal education in the Sumer County School System, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965.  He continued his education at Albany Area Vocational School where he gained valuable technical and industrial skills that were essential to his future career.

At a very early age, he confessed his faith and belief in Christ Jesus.  Upon moving to Albany, Georgia, he united with the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Horace C. Boyd.  James dearly loved the Lord and remained steadfast throughout life's journey.

On July 15, 1967, James was joined in marriage to his life-long mate, Pearlie Mae Fields.   His love for his wife was unmatched—she was the sparkle in his eyes, the beat in his heart, and the air that he breathed.  Together, they created a home filled with love and strong family values.  He was a devoted husband and father who took great care in providing for his family and ensuring the well-being of their two children—Melody and James Jr.

A very industrious, persistent individual, James was no stranger to hard work.  From sharecropping as a child to driving school buses in his younger years, he developed exceptional work ethics that followed him throughout his career.  He believed in working hard for what you want and always being willing to do the right thing.  For 18 years, James worked tirelessly as a meat packer at Lykes Brothers Packing Company until its closing.  He then joined the ranks of  employees at Pratt Industries where he labored incessantly for more than 29 years.  No matter what the task, he always gave his best!  Upon retirement in 2012, he was lauded as a dedicated, reliable, and committed employee who rendered outstanding service with honesty and integrity.

James was a strong but gentle man whose heart was filled with kindness, care, and compassion for all that he encountered.  Anyone who knew him would agree that he was straight-forward, unpretentious, and considered no one a stranger.  If you were loved by him, you were loved forever.   He was a friend you could count on, a great listener and  was always ready to lend a helping hand.

On January 28, 2024, James quietly transitioned to eternal rest with the Lord.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pearlie Mae Field Budden; and four siblings, Frizena Budden Ramsey, Ida Mae Budden, Cleveland Budden, and Mary Lou Budden Rosseu.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Earnest Harvin, Melody (Thomas) Jordan, and James Earnest (Maresha) Budden, Jr.; his grandchildren, Mia (Jonathan) White, Ayejah Zakery, Jamesha Budden, Alexis Harvin, and Bryson Budden; great grandchildren, Jace White, Jaxon White, and Jagger White; siblings, London Budden, Jr., Eartha Lee English, Fannie (William) Lanon, Barbara (Alonza) Richburg, Olden (Yvonne) Budden, Sr., and Paris (John) Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.