James Coleman Budd

Coleman was born in Macon, Georgia, on April 21, 1927, to Katharine Bowdre Budd and James Sloan Budd. In 1929, the Budd family moved to Atlanta and settled in Ansley Park. Coleman attended Inman Elementary School and Boys High School. He began his college education at Georgia Tech before joining the Merchant Marines, where he served in the North Sea during World War II.

After completing his service in 1947, Coleman returned to Atlanta and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University. During his time at Emory, he served as president of the Chi Phi Fraternity, president of the Alumni Association, chairman of the National Alumni Fund, and held leadership roles on numerous other committees.

In 1950, Coleman entered the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, earning his MBA in 1952. He then attended the United States Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. While there, he traveled to New York City for a weekend where he met the love of his life, Nancy Kaull. An Atlanta friend had arranged a double date, and although Nancy was not his assigned date, Coleman often said he could not take his eyes off her. Ever the gentleman, he first called his friend to ask permission before pursuing Nancy. Within three months they were engaged, and in 1953 they were married in New York City.

The newlyweds moved to Key West, Florida, where Coleman was stationed in the Navy. In 1955, they returned to Atlanta as a family of three with their newborn daughter, Nancy.

Coleman began his career with Robinson-Humphrey in 1958. Over the next 30 years, he rose to become Executive Vice President and a member of both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors before retiring in 1988. During his tenure, he also attended the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout his career, Coleman was deeply involved in the securities industry. He served on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of the Securities Industry Association (SIA), where he was also a governor and member of the Board of Trustees. He chaired the Regional Firms Committee and served on the State Regulation Committee.

Coleman also served as National Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD). In addition, he was Chairman of District 7, chaired the National Business Conduct Committee, and served on numerous ad hoc committees.

Continuing his industry leadership, Coleman served on the Regional Firms Advisory Committee of both the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange. He was also a member of the National Nominating Committee of the NYSE and served two terms as Governor of the Midwest Stock Exchange. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Sheffield Funds, Inc. and the OTC Select 100 Fund.

Following his retirement from Robinson-Humphrey, Coleman remained actively engaged in the Atlanta community.

A devoted member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Coleman faithfully served the parish for decades. He was a vestry member for 12 years, served as both Junior and Senior Warden, chaired the Stewardship Committee, the Endowment Fund Committee, and the Long-Range Planning Committee. During a particularly challenging period in the church’s history, his tireless volunteer leadership earned him the affectionate nickname “Bishop Budd.” In recognition of his extraordinary service, the Vestry unanimously voted to rename the parish hall the Coleman Budd Parish Hall, honoring his unwavering dedication to St. Luke’s.

Coleman’s commitment to service extended well beyond his church. He served on the Board of Trustees of Emory University, where he was honored with the Emory Business School Distinguished Service Award and, in 1989, the Emory Medal. He also served on the Boards of Trustees of The Carter Center, Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital, and Wesley Woods Long-Term Care, Inc. He chaired the Foundation of Wesley Woods, Inc. and also served as chairman of Exodus, Inc.

While Coleman’s professional accomplishments and community leadership were exceptional, they were secondary to what mattered most to him—his family. His greatest joy, proudest accomplishment, and deepest commitment were to those he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose steadfast love, generosity, wisdom, and integrity shaped generations. Family was always his highest priority, and nothing brought him greater happiness than seeing those he loved flourish.

Coleman is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children, who revered and adored him; Nancy Budd McWilliams, Bowdre Budd Todd (TD), Coleman Budd, Jr. (Cynthia), and Kenny Budd (Missy), his grandchildren; Amanda Schneider (Phil), Allison Adams (George), Taylor Golmont (Bailey), Kenny Budd (Kristen), Hunter Budd (Ann Kathryn), and Mac Budd (Aoife); and nine cherished great-grandchildren, with one more joyfully expected.

A graveside service for family will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at Arlington Memorial Park with a reception following at 39 Habersham Park, Atlanta, GA 30305 at 12:30 pm for any who would like to celebrate the life of Coleman Budd. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 435 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.