WILMINGTON — John Stuart Budd, a Wilmington, NC resident for nearly 20 years, died peacefully on June 23, 2024. He was born in Philadelphia in 1935 to Reginald and Elizabeth Budd.
John graduated from William Penn Charter School, Washington & Lee University, where he majored in English, and Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
His professional career included serving as a division president and officer at two corporations, Lever Brothers and Mattel Inc. Early in his career, he was an advertising agency account executive, and before retiring, an entrepreneur.
In retirement, John pursued his passion for writing and watching his beloved New York Yankees, whom he followed religiously. His published books include The Fast Track, Common 3, Wrongly Dead, Idol, and Life Support.
John is survived by his adored wife of 36 years, Judith; his brother, Thomas, of Wilmington; his three sons, John (Rebecca) of Pinehurst, NC, Scott (Laura) of Norwalk, CT, and Mark (Michelle) of Fort Mill, SC; his daughter-in-law, Maryanne, of Lawrenceville, NJ; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Michael and his brothers Richard and Peter.
He was a fellow in the Executive Committee of the University of North Carolina’s Cameron School of Business and a student mentor.
A memorial service will be scheduled soon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
