Jim Budreau

James Joseph “Jim” Budreau, 82, passed away on August 29, 2026, at his home after a short battle with leukemia.

Born on May 4, 1944, in Lafayette, Indiana, Jim lived his entire life in Benton County, primarily in Earl Park and later in Fowler. He attended St. John’s Catholic School in Earl Park and graduated from St. Bede Academy in Peru, Illinois. A man deeply rooted in his community and in the land, he spent most of his life on his family’s farm in Earl Park before retiring in Fowler.

Jim farmed for 35 years and raised hogs for 13 years, work that reflected both his strong character and his love for rural life. He loved raising hogs and tilling the land, and those pursuits remained close to his heart throughout his life. He also worked at Whiskey Barrel Planters for 8 years. Whether in the fields, in the barn, or among neighbors and friends, Jim was known as a hardworking and dependable presence.

In 1962, Jim joined the United States Air Force Reserves. He was called to active duty for the Cuban Crisis Missile Blockade in October 1962 and served a total of six years. His service was one more expression of the steady commitment that marked his life.

Faith was central to Jim’s life. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Earl Park, where he served on the parish council and took part in the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus. He was a devout Catholic and was known for making meal prayers that felt like attending Mass. His faith shaped the way he lived, the way he loved his family, and the way he met life’s challenges.

Jim also gave generously to his community. He was a member of the Earl Park Lions Club for 40 years and served as a committee member for the Earl Park Fall Festival. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping start the first Tractor Pull at the Earl Park Fall Festival, and he went on to serve as event chairman for the tractor pull for 19 years. He also served as a board member of the Fowler Community Center. These commitments reflected his desire to build community, create traditions, and bring people together.

He found joy in fishing and playing cards, especially euchre. Playing euchre with friends was a meaningful part of his life, and time spent around a card table brought him much laughter and companionship. He remained positive and happy despite many health challenges and was known for his big smile, positive attitude, contagious laugh, big bear hugs, crazy jokes, and immense love of family. He loved his honey and family dearly, and one of his greatest joys was attending as many of his grandchildren’s events as he was able. It meant a great deal to him that he reached his final goal of knowing his granddaughter Cassidy had given birth to healthy twins, and that he was able to see pictures of Blaire and Brooks on the day they arrived.

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. His family was the center of his life, and the love he gave them will remain a lasting gift.

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

A rosary will be prayed at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Earl Park, 205 South Chestnut Street, Earl Park, Indiana 47942. Visitation will follow from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. A reception and dinner will follow in the church hall.

Jim Budreau will be remembered for his deep faith, his devotion to family, his years of hard work, and the warmth and joy he shared so freely with others. His life was one of service, laughter, love, and steadfast commitment to the people and places he cherished most.

In lieu of flowers Jim request that donations be made to The Earl Park Lions Club, The Fowler Community Center, or the Earl Park Fall Festival Foundation at PO Box 123 Earl Park, Indiana 47942