James W. Busse, age 89, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

He was born May 3, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Michael Busse and Mary (Busse) Henzlik (nee Walsh).  A veteran, he served 4 years in the United States Air Force and a graduate of Class 12, he retired Captain and Detective of the Albuquerque Police Department after serving 20 years. He was also a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann (Donadio), his sister, Mary P. Bennett, and brothers Rev. William C. Henzlik, Raymond E. Henzlik, and Donald E Henzlik, LTC USA Ret.  He is survived by his sister, Kathleen E. Anderson of Peyton, Colorado.

A resident of Albuquerque for 67 years, he had many lifelong friends, neighbors and colleagues.  For many years, he and his wife, Patricia, participated in the American Airlines Balloon Chase Crew during the Annual Ballon Festival.  He was voracious reader and all-around handy man, eager to lend a hand on any project.  He also devoted time to repairing and restoring old computer equipment for those in need.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church, 300 Mildred NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 with a reception following the mass in the church gardens.  Burial will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, in Santa Fe, NM at 10:00am Thursday, June 26, 2025.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.