James A. "Bud" Tatum

James A. “Bud” Tatum, Sr., 78, passed away September 4, 2021 at his residence in Callahan, FL. A native of Waycross, GA, Mr. Tatum was born on July 21, 1943 to parents, James E. and Pearl (Melton) Tatum. He had retired from CSX after 36 years of service. He was a combat-wounded veteran that served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded both a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. Mr. Tatum was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Diane Thrift, Nancy Wright and Gloria Hurst. Survivors include his beloved wife, Linda Tatum; sons, James “Tate” Tatum (Cissy) of Yulee, FL, Eric Eugene Tatum (Heidi) of Jacksonville, FL, Timothy Curry (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, FL and Paul Curry (Heather) of Palm Coast, FL; daughters, Sherry Beverly (Roy) of Waycross, GA, Elicia Curry of Callahan, FL; sister Lynda Bennett of Blackshear, GA; sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He loved spending time with his family and would always lend a hand to help a friend in need. Over the years, he enjoyed fixing cars with friends, racing, square dancing and numerous trips in his converted bus. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Buford Grove Baptist Church in Hilliard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Mr. Tatum will be laid to rest at 9:30 Tuesday morning, September 14, 2021. Pallbearers will be Roy Beverly, Allen Tatum, Justin Curry, Christopher Rowell, Tony Turner and Jerry Garner. Honorary pallbearers will include Eli Tatum and Raylan Bensley along with his cherished co-workers from CSX and classmates from Ware County High School c/o 1961. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org/donate, or through the mail at 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.

Please sign the guestbook at corey-kerlin.com. Arrangements under the direction of Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 1426 Rowe Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208 (904)768-2596.