James “Buddy” E. Marsh, Sr., age 72, of Twin City, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Emanuel Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Phil Wilson officiating. Family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home prior to funeral services.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy “Mop” Akridge, Jerry Akridge, Ricky Akridge, Lewis Akridge, James Akridge, Mike Broadway, Wayne Hall, Dale Johnson, Danny Wayne Faircloth and Andy Dixon.
James Marsh, better known as “Buddy”, was born December 15, 1953, in Swainsboro, to the late Edward Marsh and Lula Bell Scarboro. He was the oldest boy amongst his large group of siblings. Buddy moved out at the age of 13 and started driving a pulp wood truck with his uncle. He spent many years logging and doing mechanic work. Buddy married at 23 and started a family. In 2000, he bought a well rig and started a new venture. Although Buddy had never drilled a well in his life, he built a highly successful business - Emanuel Well Drilling. He spent many years working from sunup to sundown providing for his family and teaching his boys the value of hard work and a good work ethic. When Buddy wasn’t logging, doing mechanic work or drilling wells, you could find him racing or working on his #6 racecar. He spent many Friday nights at Swainsboro Raceway. Buddy also had a love for fishing. Many Saturdays were spent at the Altamaha.
Buddy never met someone in need that he wouldn’t help - literally giving them the shirt off his back. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, willingness to help anyone, and his love for his family. Buddy’s legacy of hard work, determination, and love for family will all live on through all who knew and loved him. Mr. Marsh is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray Marsh, Dennis Marsh, Edmond Marsh and Edward Marsh; sisters, Carol Calhoun, Cheryl Brown, Celeste Marsh and Eddie Dean Marsh.
Mr. Marsh is survived by his sons, James “Duner” E. Marsh, Jr. of Twin City, Rick Marsh (Brooke) and Blake Marsh (Jodi) both of Canoochee; brothers, Kevin Marsh (Stacie) of Kite, David Marsh (Janena) of Oak Park and Thomas Marsh of Knoxville, TN; sisters, Joan Akridge (Lewis) of Stillmore and Crystal Marsh of Kite; grandchildren, Ansley McQuaig, Aceton Marsh, Aden McQuaig, Addi Marsh, Nathan Marsh, Abbey Chapman (Brandon), Ab Marsh, Jake Marsh, Ayla Marsh, Tripp Marsh and Kennalyn Marsh; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Sunshine House, 328 West Main Street, Swainsboro, Georgia 30401.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.
