James Butler “Buddy” Coffee, 68, of Pampa, Texas, passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Born August 25, 1957, in Itasca, Texas, Buddy was the beloved son of Floyd and Jimmi Coffee. Raised in Midland, he graduated from local schools and soon mastered the skills of an electrician, forging a lifelong career that took him across many states, working on residential, commercial, and oilfield projects.
Buddy’s story is one of heart and happiness. In 2006, fate brought him to Stockman’s Restaurant for breakfast, where a waitress named Jolene promised him two sunny-side-up eggs—and if he didn’t like them, she could make him “two more just like them!” Their playful banter became the start of a beautiful love story. After two years of dating, Buddy and Jolene married on June 27, 2008, and from then on, they were inseparable companions.
Those who knew Buddy remember his zest for life. He loved roller skating—his tall frame could even manage the Limbo—and he was an aficionado of slalom water skiing, preferring to cruise the lake rather than fish. When living at the lake house on Lake Brownwood, Buddy spent countless hours tending to his yard, proud of the landscapes he created. Dancing with Jolene brought him joy, and true to his name, Buddy was a coffee devotee, drinking cup after cup from dawn until dusk.
Generosity was at the core of Buddy’s being. He gave freely, whether it was his time, expertise, resources, or simply his warmth and affection. Anyone in need could count on him to lend a hand. Buddy’s mischievous sense of humor and love of teasing often sparked laughter and smiles among family and friends.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Jimmi Coffee; his brother, Clint Coffee; four sisters, Anne Redding, Margilee Head, Carol Terry, and Judy Robinson; and his son, Jason Wheeler.
He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory in their hearts: his cherished wife, Jolene Coffee of Pampa; children, Chad Hapeman of Pampa, Amy Busby of Picayune, MS, and Dalene Hapeman of Amarillo; sisters, Jeanette Warrick and husband Rick of Lake Brownwood, TX, Sue Madry of Midland, TX, and Gail Blevins of Mansfield, TX; grandchildren, Baylee Busby, Colton Busby, Tanner Busby, Emma Wheeler, Eleanor Wheeler and a great-granddaughter, Rhue as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember his loving and generous ways.
For those wishing to honor Buddy’s memory, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Texas, 7000 North MoPac Expy #200, Austin, TX 78731, or online at www.txalz.org/donate/.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the Serenity Chapel of Winegeart Funeral Home, with Brother Billy Paul Vinson officiating. The family has entrusted Buddy’s cremation to Winegeart Funeral Home.
Expressions of love and comfort may be shared with the family in Buddy’s Book of Memories, available at www.winegeartfuneral.com.
