J B Champion Jr

JB “Buddy” Champion, Jr., age 89 – died Saturday, January 21, 2023, in Jackson, MS after an extended illness. He was born in Macon, MS June 7, 1933, to Naomi George and J.B. Champion Sr.

Visitation will be Monday, January 23, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home, Byram and again Tuesday, January 24 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. also at the funeral home. The service will follow in the chapel at 10 a.m. with interment in Terry Cemetery.

Throughout his life, he served others in many capacities demonstrating his “big heart” and love for others, especially his family and wife, Frances. He served his country proudly during his time in the United States Army. Mr. Buddy enjoyed building bird houses which were considered immaculate if you ever were blessed to receive one. He also enjoyed working on cars and was an owner and operator in the wholesale/retail car business, something that was self-taught. Mr. Buddy was a member of Crystal Springs Bible Church.

A good summary of his life was found in a birthday card he received from one of his children and family as follows: “Dad, When I was little, I thought you were the best father anyone could ever wish for. I though you taught me more than anyone else could. I thought you understood me when no one else would, I thought you loved me better than any other father ever loved his children. I didn’t know what I’d ever do without you, because I loved you so much. Now that I’m not so little anymore, I just wanted you to know that some things never change – I still think you’re the best father a person could ever have, and I still love you – very, very, much!”

Mr. Buddy’s parents, J.B. Champion, Sr. and Naomi George Champion, and his first wife, Dorothy “Dot” Champion, preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memory is his spouse of 14 years, Frances Champion of Terry; two sons, Jeff (Stephanie) Champion of Byram and Johnny (Terry) Champion of Terry; daughter, Susan (Mike) Yates of Crystal Springs; three step-children: Barry (Cathy) Nash of Clinton, Eric (Janie) Nash of Brandon, and Scottie (Paula) Nash of Oxford; sister, Christine Stevens of Brandon; brother, Curly (Peggy) Champion of Terry; five grandchildren: Brian Champion, Amy (Robbie) Carraway, Andrew (Claire) Yates, Nicole (Jason) Perry, and John David (Angela) Champion; eight great-grandchildren: Mason and Maddie Carraway, Braxton and Emma Kate Yates, Madden and Tate Ellis, and John Kolten and Carson Champion; and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the nursing staff at Select Specialty Hospital and to a very special friend, Stacy Connart, for their care and concern for Mr. Buddy and his family.