James Arthur "Buddy" Creamer

April 8, 1963 – September 10, 2025

James Arthur Creamer, lovingly known as Buddy, was born on April 8, 1963, to W.L. Creamer and Audrey Jean Jones Creamer. He was born in Shreveport but grew up in Benton, Louisiana, where he graduated from Benton High School. During his school years, Buddy was active in the band, but it was his gift for creating and expressing himself through art, using his hands to make a range of absolutely amazing things, that shined brightly from him even at such a young age.

He grew up next door to his Papaw Jones, who instilled in him a love for the outdoors, gardening, and hunting which were passions that would remain with Buddy for his entire life and later be passed down to his own family.

Buddy and his father, W.L., shared a special bond through their work. Together they opened and operated an automotive shop in Benton, where they worked side by side for countless years before Buddy ventured on to new journeys in his career. His incredible talent for construction and woodworking carried him forward, and he later joined the Bossier Parish School Board, where he served in the maintenance department as the carpentry leader man and was able to continue pursuing his passion in the construction industry.

Buddy was a man of unmatched skill: from woodworking and automotive intelligence to artistry, arrowhead collecting, canning, and cooking. His passion for the outdoors was endless. Whether walking down his lane before sunrise to reach his deer stand, planting in his garden, fishing, or simply soaking in fresh air, the outdoors was where he found peace and purpose. It was his church and his solace. He passed that love down to his girls, teaching them to fish, hunt, shoot, and enjoy the simple things in life. Some of their best memories together include mud rides in Gurdy, hatching butterflies and quail, raising chickens, planting gardens, and spending days on the lake.

He also brought joy through his love of music giving unforgettable “concerts” with his air guitar, dancing and singing along to Metallica, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Motley Crüe. He lived life with strength, humor, and a larger than life spirit that left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.

Buddy and Traci both attended Benton High School, but it wasn’t until years later that their paths crossed again. They struck up a friendship in 2018 that quickly grew into something deeper. On March 6, 2023, Buddy married the love of his life, Traci Fricks Creamer. They were each other’s person and best friend, and simply being together was their greatest joy. Buddy and Traci shared a love for the outdoors, planting flowers and tending to their koi pond. They especially cherished evenings spent together, watching the sunsets side by side.

Buddy was a devoted family man. He was blessed with two daughters, Shelby Rhodes and husband Jacob, and Georgee Katherine Creamer. Buddy and Traci’s marriage joined two families as one, and through it he gained three children in love: Kami Ludwig, Ashlyn and husband Brice Wagner and John Thedford. He cherished his role as “Baw Baw” to his beloved grandchildren, Matilyn Mae “Mati Mae” Branch, Jacob Randall “Jace” Rhodes Jr., and Christian Crosby.

He is also survived by his parents, W.L. Creamer and Audrey Jean Jones Creamer; sister, Leslie Creamer Shaver, and brother-in-law, Robert Shaver; and his nieces, Evelyn Shaver Burton and husband Will Burton, and Erin Shaver.

Buddy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Bessie Jones, and his paternal grandmother, Jennie V Davis; aunt, Carol Jones Young.

To know Buddy was to know a man who loved deeply and lived simply. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, an uncle, a grandfather, and a true and loyal friend. He spoke honestly, never strayed from what he believed in, and those around him always felt safe in his presence. His big hands guided his wife and daughters through life, his wisdom shaped his family, and his love will be carried forward through the generations.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, creativity, and strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

The family welcomes flowers, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation in Buddy’s honor. Another special way to remember him is through the planting of a memorial tree, as his love for nature and the outdoors was such a defining part of his life.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped take wonderful care of Buddy during his journey: Dr. Boniol and his amazing care team at Christus Highland, along with all of the clinic staff who cared for him so compassionately. We are also forever thankful for the family and friends who rallied around us to support, love, comfort, and pray over our family. A special thank you as well to his wonderful work family in the maintenance department at Bossier Parish School Board, and to Traci’s work family at Bruckner Truck Sales, who did everything they could to allow Buddy and Traci, and their family, to live out their time together as fully as possible.

A Celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Pastor Michelle Lavergne officiating. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm until service time.

Honorary pallbearers are W.L. Creamer, Robert Shaver, Jacob Rhodes, Brice Wagner, John Thedford, Randy Rhodes, Johnnie Jorden, Cody Durbin, Kyle Baker, Tony Weaver, Ronnie Andrews, Micah Whitley, Dr. Scott Boniol, Samantha Smith.