James "Buddy" Fenstermaker Jr.

January 01, 1944 - May 07, 2026

James "Buddy" Fenstermaker Jr.

James “Buddy” Fenstermaker Jr., 82, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Cary, North Carolina.

Buddy was born on January 1, 1944, in Pensacola, Florida, to James and Florence Fenstermaker. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend whose kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie; his sister, Frances Hodge and her husband Billy Hodge; his children, Lori Collins and her partner, Joseph Vandenberg, Amy Mansperger and her wife, Peggy Mansperger, and Ali Crawford and her husband, Brian Crawford; and his beloved grandchildren, Michael, Katie, Zach, Adeline, Audrey, and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Steven.

Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Vietnam veteran. During his service, he worked as a crew chief and airplane mechanic on RF-101C Voodoo reconnaissance aircraft. Following his military service, he began a long career working for the railroad.

In his retirement years, Buddy found great joy participating in gun shoots with the Single Action Shooting Society, spending time on the water, and making memories with the people he loved most. He also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes, always eager to try something new and share it with family and friends. One of his greatest joys was supporting his children and grandchildren by attending their sporting events and cheering them on through the years. He also enjoyed taking long walks with his beloved dog, Pickles.

Buddy was incredibly handy, creative, and resourceful. Where others might have seen junk, he saw opportunity. He could fix just about anything and took pride in figuring out how things worked. Whether repairing, building, or repurposing something with his hands, he approached life with ingenuity, patience, and determination.

Those who knew Buddy will remember him for his incredibly kind heart, genuine spirit, unwavering generosity, humility, and quiet sense of humor. He never sought to be the center of attention and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He had a special way of making people feel welcome and valued, and his presence brought comfort and warmth to family and friends alike.

A service with military honors will be held at Barrancas National Cemetery on July 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

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Condolences

August 27, 2026

Kristen Petrucci

I just heard of Buddy's passing. Buddy was always so funny and kind. He always had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed. Kristen Petrucci
June 01, 2026

Debbie D’Agostino

The news of Buddy's passing is heartbreaking. He will be sorely missed. Bud was one of a kind ❤️His shoes can never be filled . His ingenuity was astounding! He was truly a self made man . He was like a son to daddy and mama & a big brother to me . He genuinely cared about so many .He was always ready to lend a hand.His kindness was abundant. This world has lost more of its sparkle with the loss of Buddy . My love to all of the family. God bless and keep you 🙏
June 01, 2026

Marilyn & Homer Royals

Marie, we are so sad to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. Buddy was a wonderful neighbor to our parents and we will always be grateful for the friendship you and Buddy shared with them. With love and sympathy to you and your precious family. Homer and Marilyn Royals
May 31, 2026

Bonnie Gibson

My condolences to his family. So sorry to read this.
May 30, 2026

Lyn (Farwell) Kenney

Buddy will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to the family. I just spoke with him the week before he died about a picture he thought I might like. He sounded so vibrant and happy and spoke all about the family in great detail. I cherish that visit with him........we just did not make getting together again happen. With love, Lyn (Farwell) Kenney
May 30, 2026

Greg Stewart

I was shocked and saddened to read this today. Spoke to him not too long ago about water wells in Pensacola. He and I once worked together installing them and sprinkler systems. He was like a brother when I was round him. I cannot say enough nice things about him. To his family, sorry for you loss.