James (Buddy) Bumgarner

James (Buddy) Bumgarner, 71, of Hahira, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Langdale Hospice House. He was born on February 17, 1953, in Fort Belvoir, VA, to the late James Sr., and Elsie Paquette Bumgarner. Buddy was a Leadership Lowndes Alumni 1989, and a Leadership Georgia Graduate in 1991. Buddy retired from Valdosta State University in 1994 where he served as the Dean of Students and then retired as an agent with the Herndon Company in 2018. He was known for his generous spirit and that showed through the love and support that he had for Moody Air Force Base and the personnel, both military and civilian, and their well-being. Buddy was instrumental in many fundraising activities for the base which contributed to the betterment of the Air Force community. He was also willing to lend a helping hand to others in need. Outside of his generous heart and his giving of himself to his fellow man, he was also passionate about other things that brought him joy and pleasure such as boating, collecting 1931 Ford vintage cars, spending time at the family cabin in North Carolina, yardwork, and animals. 

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Bumgarner of Hahira; a daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Tyler Sermons; grandchildren, Knight Sermons, Creed Sermons, and Ari Sermons; and stepson Heath Bayman all of Valdosta; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Janice and John Thursby of Hahira and Linda and Tom LeGrand of Jacksonville, Florida; his niece and her husband Shannon and Isaac Whitaker of Jacksonville, FL; and his nephew, Tony LeGrand of Jacksonville, FL.

A memorial service for Buddy Bumgarner will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. 

Carson McLane Funeral Home