James “Buddy” Sorrell, better known as “Buddy the Barber,” 76, of Sweet Home passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014 due to complications following a fall and brain surgery in August of 2013. He was born in Warren, Arkansas to John and Fay Sorrell.

He lived most of his early years in Wright City, Oklahoma before moving to Oregon in 1959. Buddy married the love of his life, Melba Jackson, on April 11, 1959.

Buddy ran his own barber shop for 42 years before retiring about two years ago. He loved going to work every day and he never met a stranger. Even after retirement, Buddy would still check in on his old shop nearly every day, so you could say he never fully retired.

Buddy had a love for the outdoors. Every hunting season you could find him along with family and friends at Silver Lake, Oregon and, once summer hit, he was Snake River bound! Buddy and his wife, along with several lifelong friends, also loved riding motorcycles. Every summer for 17 years they would take a trip to Reno, Nevada on their motorcycles. He loved spending time traveling. Buddy traveled all over the United States. With 5th wheel in tow, He and Melba would be off for winters in Arizona and Mexico.

He lived his life to the fullest every day. He will be remembered for his warm personality, his endless supply of funny stories, and always having a joke to tell.

Buddy is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Melba; son Ronald; and grandson, Jake; and a host of friends and relatives in Sweet Home, Oregon, Wright City, Oklahoma, and Haworth, Oklahoma.

Buddy was preceded in death by: parents, John and Fay; sisters Joyce Fields, Peggy Rowe, and Ailene Skeens; and a half-brother, Othalee Sorrell.

A memorial service is planned for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.