James "Bud" Bousfield

James Russell Bousfield, Bud to all who knew him, stepped into heaven on January 9, 2017, having reached the age of 84 years, 5 months and 23 days. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Friday, January 13, 2017 at First English Lutheran Church, Parker. Following the burial at Rosehill Cemetery everyone is invited to join the family at the Parker Community Building for lunch, featuring pie and ice cream, whether you were able to attend the funeral or not. Visitation will begin at 2:00pm Thursday at Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home with family present from 6-8pm Thursday evening. James Russell "Bud" Bousfield was born on July 16, 1932 to Laura (Finn) and Ray Bousfield. He was a mischievous boy who was doted on by his five sisters. He was introduced to farming by his Uncle George Bousfield and Aunt Johanna. It was his work passion that brought him great joy. Bud graduated from Parker High School in 1951. He married the love of his life, Margaret Kraft, February 8, 1953. Bud and Margaret would have celebrated 64 years of marriage next month. Shortly after their marriage Bud entered the US Army, serving in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Born to Bud and Margaret were two daughters, Joani in 1953 and Bonnie in 1957. Bud loved his time on the farm, even after retirement. He was well known for his jokes and stories. He had the opportunity to travel with Margaret extensively, including trips to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Africa. They had just returned from Hawaii within the last month. He loved practical jokes and gag gifts. His joy and zest for life was obvious and infectious! Since 1953 he was an active member of First English Lutheran Church. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Margaret; daughters Joani (Thom) Schultz, Loveland, CO and Bonnie (Jim) Young, Yankton, SD; grandchildren Matt (Shawna) Schultz, Ethan Young and Elizabeth Young; Matt and Shawna would have blessed Bud and Margaret with their first great grandchild in April; sisters Joy Berthelsen, Parker, Elaine (Bill) Gortmaker, Columbia, MO, and Connie (Bob) Havard, Albany, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and her husband Esther and Marlyn Sisson, sister and her husband Vivian (Dolly) and Marvin Hopf, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A special lifelong relationship with the Rand family was a true source of joy; Jim and Sharla, Kathy, Matt and Josie, Jon and Angie, Tyler and Amanda, Dick and Demme, Haylee and Aaron, and Amie and fiancé Noah. Bud and Margaret consider themselves extra parents/grandparents and the Rands think of them the same way. Bud was a kind, generous, joyful man who never met a stranger. He shall be missed by all who knew him. He has certainly left an empty space in the hearts of friends and acquaintances, and just as certainly has made heaven a brighter, happier place.