James D. "Bud" Shamburger Sr.

James D. "Bud" Shamburger Sr., 76, of Conway, passed away March 23, 2015. He was born March 20, 1939 in Little Rock to Frank and Cladie (Watkins) Shamburger. He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Margaret (Luyet) Shamburger; and their four children: James D. "Jim" Shamburger, Jr. of Hot Springs; Robert L. Shamburger (Sarah) of Benton; daughter, Karyn A. (Shamburger) Johnson (Ricky) of Mountain Home; and George F. "Buddy" Shamburger (Elizabeth) of Chelsea, Alabama; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and brother, Bobby F. Shamburger of Florida. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, William J. Shamburger. After graduating from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas), Bud spent 13 years as a computer operator/programmer/engineer before beginning his hospitality career. He spent more than 30 years in the Arkansas tourism industry, owning and operating hotels all over the state. Although he started small, he eventually built an extraordinarily successful business, teaching his children the intricacies of hospitality excellence and helping them build tourism careers of their own. He was very active in the Arkansas Lodging Association, and was a progressive leader in innovation and growth for hotels in Arkansas. Bud was appointed to the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission by then Governor Bill Clinton in 1986, and served 16 years, overseeing the activities of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, and setting policy for the State Parks System. He served as 2002 chairman and as vice chairman twice, as well as serving on the State parks committee. In 2002 he retired from the commission and his eldest son Jim, by then a successful hotelier himself, was appointed in his place by Governor Mike Huckabee. Bud's droll sense of humor was often heard during complex discussion and negotiations among the Commissioners, and he earned that long-lasting respect of his colleagues and employees alike with his sharp business advice and keen insight on complicated issues. While Bud worked hard all his life, he also played hard, and enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles, restoring vehicles, and traveling across the nation with Margaret in the RV. Rosary will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home with visitation following. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: St. Joseph Endowment Fund or Arkansas Hospitality Education Foundation. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.