James T. "Buddy" Champion

James Tindal Champion of Tuscaloosa, Alabama known to his family and friends as “Buddy” was born on September 25, 1937 and passed away on February 5, 2026, at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, Kansas. Services will be held at a later date in Tuscaloosa, AL.

He was preceded in death by his Parents James and Dorothy (Reid) Champion; Wife, Jeryl Dean “Geri” Champion; Daughter, Nedral Lynn Champion McGee and Brother, Dexter Champion.

He is survived by his Son, Nathan Champion (Krista); Grandchildren, James Marc "Gee" McGee (Heather), Jon Wesley McGee (Amanda), Allie and Mary Evelyn Champion; Great-Grandchildren, Emalee, Aiden and Ryder McGee, Estes and Marek McGee, Adaleigh; Siblings, Charline, Billy, Rendill, Glenn, and Florenda; along with numerous nieces and nephews and extended family he loved dearly.

On August 10, 1956, Buddy and Geri ran away to get married in Greenwood, Mississippi. Geri was the love of his life, and he cherished their 56 years together. He and Geri built a full and meaningful life together, where they were actively involved in their church communities at Cottondale Methodist Church and later First Wesleyan Church where they raised their two children 22 years apart.

Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the USS Sequoia. Buddy loved bass fishing, hunting, karaoke, NASCAR and Alabama sports. In fact, Buddy held the Lake Tuscaloosa largemouth bass record—for a brief, shining moment. While some anglers are only able to “tell” the story, Buddy had the photo—and the mounted fish on the wall—to prove he indeed landed that fish! Throughout his life in Alabama he had numerous friends, through his children and grandchildren’s sports activities, church, karaoke and community, whom he loved dearly.

While living in Liberal, Buddy joined Fellowship Baptist Church, where he quickly found a church home. The kindness and warmth of everyone meant so much to him and truly helped ease his transition to a new place.

He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and always supported them in all of their activities. Buddy was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grand/great grandfather.

Buddy will be remembered for the way he loved his family, honored God, and showed kindness, loudly to everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the friends he made.