James Thomas "Buddy" Lively

Mr. James Thomas “Buddy” Lively, passed away at his residence on May 8, 2025.

Buddy was born to the late Caleb and Maxine Smith Lively on April 26, 1943. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 and served his country for 24 years until his retirement and then served in civil service. He enjoyed playing golf in his free time, if he wasn’t working he was either golfing or watching John Wayne movies. He and his wife had attended the Swainsboro Free Will Baptist Church. More than anything he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Betty Parker, Ruth Rich, Christine Lamb, Annie Reddig, and Edna Gregg, and his brothers, Roy Lively and Howard Lively.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mi Lively of Swainsboro, his son, Jason (Susan) Lively of Alabama, his daughter and son-in-law Karen (Rex) Newman of Appling, four grandchildren, Derek Newman, Kacey (Keith Odom) Newman, Justin Newman, Mary Jay (Chase) Taylor, and four great-grandchildren, Mason Newman, Jax Newman, Ryan Odom, and John Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at Chapman Funeral Home on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00am with Rev. Steve Dowless officiating.

An inurnment will follow the service at Primitive Grove Baptist Church in Cobbtown, GA.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. James Thomas “Buddy” Lively, 82, of Swainsboro.