James ‘Bud’ Arthur
September 17, 1928 – June 25, 2022
James ‘Bud’ Arthur, age 93, of Westfield, Indiana, formerly of Sheridan and Lebanon, passed away on Saturday afternoon, June 25, 2022, at Compassus Hospice of Indianapolis, Indiana.
He was born on September 17, 1928, in Hamilton County, Indiana, son of the late Arley Ross and Ruby (Fesmire) Arthur.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1947, Mr. Arthur was hired on with Delco Remy for a short period of time before the joining the United States Army and proudly serving his country during the Korean War. Upon his return from Korea, he went to work as a lineman with Indiana Bell and remained with the company until his retirement in 1991.
Mr. Arthur was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, a 62-year member of the Sheridan Masonic Lodge #309, a 32nd Degree Mason with the Grand Lodge of Indiana, as well as a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and Murat Temple Shrine.
He may have been a lineman by trade, but Mr. Arthur was a farmer at heart. He loved raising sheep and was very well known for his shearing prowess. He also raised chickens, as well as quail and pheasants, which he always released when the time came. He enjoyed gardening very much, and he even took up beekeeping to help his garden flourish.
When he had the time, Mr. Arthur enjoyed traveling, with Branson being one of his favorite destinations. No matter the length of the trip, there was always time to visit a casino. He also made sure his schedule was never so busy that he couldn’t get in some occasional fishing.
Family was always first and foremost in Mr. Arthur’s mind and heart. He loved sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved, especially around the holiday season – giving notes such as “your gift this year consists of one dressed hen” to family members at Christmas. Another tradition that he held dear was hosting the Arthur family bonfire and cookout every fall. And through his collection of writings, poems, and pictures, Mr. Arthur was able to share his wisdom, compassion, and strong faith with those he loved most in this world.
Survivors include his brother Carl Arthur (Lillian) of Costa Rica; and 18 nieces and nephews along with their spouses and children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Arthur; five sisters (and brothers in law) Patty Elger and Noel “Curly” Elger, Elizabeth (Phil) Burton, Joan A. (Ron) Perkins, Carol (Richard) Henderson, and Marietta (Harry) Pesel; two nieces Nancy Burton Gay and Glenna Henderson Roudebush; nephew Mitchel Carl Henderson; and longtime friend and companion, Carolyn Veach.
Funeral Services are scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, with a Masonic Service scheduled to be conducted at 12:30 p.m., at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan, Indiana. Visitation is scheduled to be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the Masonic Service. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Summit Lawn Cemetery in Westfield, Indiana. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
Throughout Mr. Arthur’s life he faithfully donated to numerous charitable organizations. Memorial contributions may be presented to Compassus Hospice, Wheeler Mission, Sheridan’s Biddle Park, the American Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.