Dr. John J. Budd Jr., a retired longtime internist and rheumatologist in Brentwood, died Wednesday (Dec. 14, 2005) at his home in University City of complications from cancer. He was 78. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Dr. Budd served in the Navy during World War II. Dr. Budd graduated magna cum laude in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Notre Dame. Later, he earned his medical degree from the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Budd completed a fellowship at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and performed his residency at St. Louis University Hospital. He operated a private practice in internal medicine and rheumatology at the Brentwood Medical Association for 42 years. He retired in 1998. Dr. Budd formerly served on the medical staff of St. Mary's Health Center in Richmond Heights. Dr. Budd married Bernice Kraenzle of Ste. Genevieve in 1955. They lived for 38 years in the well-known "Budd House" in University City, where the rooms were often filled with their own 10 children and 35 grandchildren, plus generations of friends and extended family members. In his spare time, Dr. Budd developed a love for running and ran several half-marathons later in his life. He was also fascinated by aviation, and loved to fly. He had a private pilot's license and owned several single engine aircraft. He inspired four of his children to learn to fly planes. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Lupton Chapel, 7233 Delmar Boulevard, University City. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7148 Forsyth at Asbury, University City. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In addition to his wife of 50 years, survivors include six sons, John Budd III of Wildwood, Mark Budd and Richard Budd, both of Brooksville, Fla., Matthew Budd of south St. Louis County, Timothy Budd of Eureka and Christopher Budd of University City; four daughters, Annette Tulley of University City, Mary Stroble of Sunset Hills, Kathleen Wendel of Little Rock, Ark., and Elizabeth Evola of south St. Louis; a brother, William Budd of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; and 35 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 4532 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 63108; Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787, St. Louis, Mo. 63109; and the St. Louis University School of Medicine, P.O. Box 8005, St. Louis, Mo. 63156-9950.

Obituary, Post-Dispatch, December 16, 2005.