Obituary of James H. "Buddy" Lane

James H. (Buddy) Lane, beloved father, grandfather, brother, husband, friend, and longtime resident of Merritt Island, James H. (Buddy) Lane peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023

Buddy Lane was born on November 30, 1930. He was the eldest of two children. His parents Ila (Donaldson) and Earl Lane raised their family in and around Knoxville, Tennessee. Buddy enjoyed hiking, rafting, camping, and spelunking as a young man. He drove a produce truck, worked in the family garage, and then joined the Air Force.

James H. (Buddy) and Johnnie Faye first met in the Church of God, Plant City Florida, and were later married there on January 2, 1955. After leaving the air force and with encouragement from Johnnie Faye, Buddy graduated from the University of Florida with an engineering degree.

Buddy worked at NASA for over 30 years and was directly responsible for the health and safety of the Apollo spacecraft that helped to land men on the moon. Buddy volunteered to be an ambassador for NASA visitors, escorting dignitaries, movie stars, and senators during manned moon launches receiving numerous accolades and thank you notes that decorate the wall of his den. He was often requested for speaking events to update the public on current events at NASA. Buddy retired supporting the Space Shuttle program.

Buddy was a Cape Canaveral Clown Club volunteer; an organization that helped at charitable events. Buddy and his fellow clowns would entertain the crowds with balloons animals, clown antics, and amazing magic. Buddy was always ready to entertain with a witty story or a funny joke.

Buddy spent his free time golfing, deer hunting, and running a nursery called Randy’s Foliage Farm.

Buddy and Johnnie Faye enjoyed family and friends and hosted many events at their Merritt Island home including a July picnic that included a Blue Grass band, a vintage fire truck, and a snow cone truck.  This celebration of America grew over the years to more than 175 attendees. Another popular event was the “Christmas end of school” bonfire originally held for their granddaughters and friends; it too grew due to its popularity of allowing kids (of all ages) to just run. Christmas Carols were sung by the fire while marshmallows were toasted, and Buddy’s truck provided hayrides for the kids.

Buddy was an active parishioner and long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Cocoa Beach. Buddy spent the last 67 years enjoying family, friends, and community on Florida's Space Coast. He will be deeply missed and is survived by their son, Randy Lane (wife Jean), and their 2 grandchildren Christine and Heather. Buddy Lane joins his wife Johnnie Faye and their daughter Pam Lane who have also passed.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 24 at First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M. and services starting at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be held at Brevard Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Buddy Lane, to the First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach, 3300 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.

You may sign Buddy’s guestbook at www.beckmanwilliamson.com

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