Jim Budreau

James Joseph, “Jim”, Budreau, 82 of Fowler, passed away on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 after a short battle with leukemia. Per his wishes, Jim passed in his home, surrounded by his loving family and his “Honey” Dianne. Jim faced many health challenges yet he always remained positive, happy and set goals for himself. God welcomed him to Heaven, but not before meeting his very last goal… to know that his granddaughter Cassidy blessed him with the birth of healthy twins!!! Great granddaughter Blaire and great grandson Brooks arrived healthy and happy on the 29th just in time for “Papa” to see their pictures!

Jim was born to Kenneth and Elizabeth “Betty” (Muller) Budreau on May 4th, 1944 in Lafayette Indiana. He attended St. John’s Catholic School in Earl Park then graduated from St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL. Jim was a devout Catholic and was often teased that when he said meal prayers it was more like attending Mass! After graduation Jim joined the United States Air Force Reserves in 1962. He was called to active duty for the Cuban Crisis Missile Blockade in October of 1962, and served a total of 6 years.

Jim farmed for 35 years, raised hogs for 13 years, and worked at Whiskey Barrel Planters for 8 years. He lived his entire life in Benton County, mostly in Earl Park on his family’s farm as well as several years on the “home place”, then retired in Fowler in the home his parents built. He was a life-long member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Earl Park, parish council member, member of the Holy Name Society, and involved in the Knights of Columbus. Jim was also a member of the Earl Park Lions Club for 40 years and a committee member for the Earl Park Fall Festival where he helped start the first Tractor Pull. He was an event chairman for the tractor pull for 19 years.

Jim loved his “Honey” and his family dearly, and attended as many of his grandchildren’s events as he was able. He loved raising hogs and tilling the land as well as fishing and “cards”. Playing cards was a big part of Jim’s life, and he thoroughly enjoyed playing euchre with friends at the Fowler Community Center where he was also a board member.

Jim is survived by his “Honey” Dianne (Goodman) Drake, by his children Kim (Brad) Deno, West Lafayette, Kristin (Brett) Gick, Otterbein, and Kenny (Beth) Budreau, Fowler: his brother Gerald Budreau (Alice) of Fowler, sister Pat Harvey of Arcadia, FL: Grandchildren Tucker and Johanna Budreau; Brody (Ally) Deno-Everhett and Lydia; Kinsey (Kybren) Foster-Addelyn and Lincoln; Cassidy (Nathan) DeVillez- Bennett, Brooks, Blaire; Colton (Grace) Deno- Millie. They were his pride and joy!!!! Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and special cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Elizabeth Budreau, brother Charles Budreau and brother-in-law John Harvey.

Family and Friends may call on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 205 South Chestnut Street, Earl Park, IN 47942, officiant Monsignor Sell. The Holy Rosary will begin at 8:45am with visitation from 9:00 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am. A dinner will follow in the church hall. Gertz, Windler, Keller Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

We hope you remember Jim for his big smile, positive attitude, contagious laugh, big bear hugs, his crazy jokes, and his immense love of family! In lieu of flowers Jim requests that donations be made to the Earl Park Lions Club, The Fowler Community Center, or Earl Park Fall Festival Foundation po box 123, Earl Park, IN 47942.