James "Bud" Walton

James "Bud" Walton
Born	James Lawrence Walton (1921-12-20)December 20, 1921 Kingfisher, Oklahoma, USA
Died	Miami, Florida, USA
Residence	Bentonville, Arkansas
Nationality	American
Other names	Bud Walton
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Co-founder of Walmart
Spouse(s)	Audrey Walton
Children	2

James Lawrence “Bud” Walton (December 20, 1921 – March 21, 1995) was the brother of Sam Walton and co-founder of Walmart.

Biography

Early life

James Lawrence Walton was born on December 20, 1921 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. As a child, he worked on his family's farm. He attended David H. Hickman High School–located in Columbia, MO – and then the Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. He served as a Navy pilot in World War II.

Career

Bud and his brother, Sam, began their career in the retail industry working in the Ben Franklin Stores franchise system. His first store was opened in Versailles, Missouri. Bud and Sam co-founded Walmart in Arkansas in 1962.

He is the namesake of the Bud Walton Arena at the University of Arkansas.

Death

Walton died following surgery for an aneurysm in Miami, Florida on March 21, 1995, at the age of 73.

Personal life

Walton was married to Audrey Walton. They had two daughters, Ann and Nancy.

See also

• Walton family