Breckenridge Texan

By Chris Curtis/Stephens Memorial Hospital

On Tuesday, March 14, co-workers, friends and family of the late James “Bud” Isclaw gathered for a ceremony naming the newly remodeled Stephens Memorial Hospital Chapel in his honor. Stephens County Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon was on hand to lead the dedication.

Bud Isclaw worked at Stephens Memorial Hospital for over 30 years until his unexpected passing last August. Without fail and to the day of his death, Bud arrived before almost any other employee (at around 5:30 a.m.) and started his day off by visiting the chapel for prayer. Only then did he head off to find coffee and start his work day. He was known for his faith and lived his life as an example of Christian dedication and love. For these reasons, all of SMH was in agreement with the decision to dedicate the chapel in his honor.

In preparing for the ceremony, we reached out to SMH staff to share their fondest memories or funny stories of Bud. Just about every person mentioned what a hard worker Bud was and how deep his faith was. One story, shared by Judy Williams who worked with Bud for many years, illustrates his confidence in where he was going: “Not long ago it seems, Bud and I had been visiting briefly and as he was leaving, he turned, leaned on my desk and asked if I would do something for him. He said, ‘If you get to heaven before I do, would you tell them I’m on my way?’”

Bud never met a stranger and was friends with every employee of the hospital. After working together as long as most of us have, we become like a family. This was especially true with Bud. Nesha Cooper shared a story that highlights the bonds he developed with his work family.

“First Bud was a co-worker, then soon became a friend,” she said. “He would always greet me with ‘Hey girl’ and if he hadn’t seen my husband first, he always followed it with ‘How’s Ron?’ I watched Bud quit a job he loved so he could take care of his wife, Peggy, as her health declined. I stood with him in the ER after he lost her and wiped tears off his face. I saw him come back to the place he loved after the loss of his wife, and I sure was happy to hear him humming and singing in the halls again. Bud walked these halls at SMH until the day he passed. He got to clean everyone’s office one last time, and I am forever grateful for that. I am so thankful to have had Bud in my life.”

Next time you are out at Stephens Memorial Hospital, be sure and stop in and see the beautifully remodeled “James ‘Bud’ Isclaw Memorial Chapel.”

Chris Curtis is the Director of Business Development at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Breckenridge.

Cutline, top photo:  Stephens County Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon led a dedication ceremony for the newly remodeled chapel at Stephens Memorial Hospital. The chapel was named the James “Bud” Isclaw Memorial Chapel. (Photo courtesy of Chris Curtis/Stephens Memorial Hospital)