James Madison "Buddy" Cross,

CROSS, James Madison “Buddy” Cross, IV, 83, passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013. Mr. Cross was born October 31, 1929 to the late James M. “Happy” and Rosemary Smith Cross. He was a life long resident of Jacksonville and a member and deacon of Forrest Christian Church. He also served in the U.S. Army in Korea. After service he was employed with and retired from National and Pan Am Airlines. “Buddy” was a member of Riverview Lodge #306 F&AM and the Morocco Temple of the Shrine. He loved performing with the Spudniks on mini-motor cycles for parades, was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his NASCAR races. Survivors include his sister, Lois Williams; nephews, Vernon and Donald Williams; niece, Brandy Brister; special niece and caregiver, Melissa & Richard Bennett and family; cousins, Barbara McBath and Jewell Ann Maddox. He is also survived by step children, John & Alexis Carter and Diane & Mike Lick; step grandson, John & Laura Carter and step great grandchildren, Nolan & Noel Carter. Funeral Services, with Masonic Rites, will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 12, in the chapel of COREY-KERLIN FUNERAL HOME, 1426 Rowe Ave., with Pastor Clarence Blalock officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday (TODAY) at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in “Buddy’s” memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.