(Seguin) — A true supporter of Seguin and Guadalupe County is remembered today. The community mourns the loss of James “Tuddy” Dietz, one of the founding members of the Buck Fever organization.
Tuddy’s accolades span several area organizations, garnering him community support throughout the years.
Topping that list and closest to his heart was The Buck Fever organization.
Best known for its two-day Buck Fever event in the fall, the group prides itself in showcasing the horns of local hunters and works to introduce kids to outdoor education and programming.
Club President Rodney Bargfrede says if you ask folks, Tuddy Dietz was Buck Fever.
“His heart was Buck Fever and he loved it and he loved being down there and seeing the people and enjoyed what we did — what we were able to give to the youth of Guadalupe County and that was our main focus and his main focus too. He always wanted to help, always a helpful soul,” said Bargfrede.
Of course, Tuddy’s passion for outdoor education and the great outdoors led him and other founders to initiate this non-profit organization which today has awarded just over $1.1 million to local youth.
Bargfrede says over the years, Tuddy was always making an impact and growing the organization in any way he could.
“Tuddy was one of the founding members of Buck Fever which started 38 years ago and he stayed involved up til present in one way or another. He was president of Buck Fever. He was treasurer but more important, I think he was a mentor to all of the directors and taught us how to make the organization better and he always cared so much about the people and the youth of Guadalupe County and Seguin. That was probably one of the biggest things. More important, he was a friend. He would always be a friend to you no matter what. If you ever needed anything, he was always there for you. Always with a smile on his face and willing to help,” said Dietz.
Bargfrede says what made Tuddy even more incredible was his ability to not only lead — but listen.
“When you would come to him, he would focus on you. When you had a question or had a problem going on or anything going on in the organization, he gave 100 percent of his attention to what was going on and to you and didn’t deviate,” said Bargfrede.
A former loan officer and agricultural estimator, Tuddy’s passion was being a farmer and rancher who loved fishing and hunting. He spent five years serving on the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court. His countless group memberships also included but were not limited to the Guadalupe County Fair Association, the Kingsbury Fire Department, and the Seguin Noon Lions Club.
Like Buck Fever, Tuddy will be remembered for being instrumental in developing the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center.
Funeral arrangements for Tuddy Dietz will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23 at Emanuel’s Lutheran Church. He leaves behind his grown daughter Jami Dietz-Carley.
Dietz was 86.