April 29, 1942 -- Jan. 25, 2006

James S. "Butch" Bamber, 63, of South Bend, passed away in Hospice House at 10:55 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25.

Born April 29, 1942, in South Bend, Jim was the oldest child of James J. "Jimmy" Bamber, who preceded him in death in 1997, and Josephine M. Bamber, who survives. He was also preceded in death by his youngest brother, Patrick Joseph "P.J." Bamber in 2000.

He was the loving husband of Shirley (Jones), who he married on June 17, 1988, in Marietta, Ga. Also surviving are his brother, Dennis (Ginny) Bamber of Cassopolis; his sister, Josephine "Sis" (Wib) Elliott of Granger; a son, Gary (Lisa) Hull of Jacksonville, Fla.; and daughter, Nicole (Jason) Graham of Irving, Texas. Also his nieces, Bridget (Andrew) Seng and Kate Elliott of Decatur, Ga.; his nephew and godson, James Elliott of Chicago; and great-nephew, Jacob Elliott. In addition, three grandchildren, Andrew Johnson of Atlanta, Ga., and Brandon and Kellen Sharpe of South Bend, IN.

"Butch," as he was known by his family and friends, attended St. Joseph's Grade School, St. Joseph's High School and earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Michigan State University. Prior to graduation, Butch served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

He began his career with the Bendix Corporation, first in South Bend, and then in Jackson, Tenn., for two years. In 1978 he returned to South Bend to join NIBCO, Inc., Elkhart, as marketing communications manager. He was in charge of all advertising and public relations efforts, including national sale meetings and trade shows, distributor promotions and press conferences. In 1985 he was promoted to marketing manager for the NIBCO Faucet Division, a position he held until 1990, when he left the company to launch his own marketing communications agency, James S. Bamber and Associates. He returned to NIBCO in 1992, and continued in his prior sales, marketing position until joining Phoenix Products, Cleveland, OH, in 1996 as marketing and national sales manager. In 2001 he joined the Woodwind and Brasswind as a product manager and worked there until his death. Jim was a former drummer and musician, performing frequently with his brother and other bands for a number of years. He was also a member of the South Bend Press Club, and was a featured performer of the Hoaxes annual event.

Butch and his wife Shirley enjoyed entertaining friends and family at their home. He was a wonderful cook, a great host, and loved to tell jokes. He was devoted to his family and will always be remembered by his friends as honest, fun-loving and generous, and a man with a big heart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in Holy Cross Church, 920 Wilbur St., South Bend.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 27, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend.

Contributions may be made to The Humane Society of St. Joseph County Building Fund, 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN.