Buds should be present now on all viable branches and stems :-) They may still be quite small but they should be visible and start swelling as the weather warms. Some of my JM's are beginning to leaf out while others are still very tightly budded - each tree has its own timetable.

Dead or non-viable wood should be readily apparent. It tends to be a gray or silver in color compared to the more brightly colored tissue of healthy wood. And any bud present on this wood will also be gray in color and look shriveled rather than plump. Dead wood can be removed at any time (and should be removed!).

Thanks for your feedback. I'm not seeing any buds yet but there is quite a bit of "grey" wood that I'm going to get my pruning sheers out and have a go with. I'm really so bummed that this tree might not bounce back.