James Howard Butler, 87, of Huntington, passed away on May 16, 2015 after a brief illness. We thought he would have more time. And we thought we would get to enjoy a few more of his tall tales. Jim Butler was born in Logan, Ohio on April 30, 1928. He served in the Navy during WWII, started working for the C & O Railroad at a young age, and retired from CSX after 45 years. Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife of almost 70 years, Lois Barney Butler. He is also survived by a son, James R. Butler, DDS, daughter-in-law, Lynn Morris Butler, grandchildren Eric Butler, Amy Butler Parsons (Matt), & Julie Butler Pyles (Ashley), and great grandson, Asa James Pyles. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Lee Butler, daughter-in-law, Kim Butler, and great grandson, Kingston Parsons (infant). Jim had seven brothers and sisters. Two sisters survive – Dorothy Huffman and Theresa Schneyer (Bob.) His siblings who preceded him in death were Bill Butler, Betty Butler Kehoe, Catherine Butler Lockhart, Joe Butler, and Patricia Butler. Jim was a Great grandfather, father, and husband, a man of faith, a thoughtful friend and neighbor, a cheerful acquaintance, a frequent prankster, and a delightful story teller. Extended family members who will miss him include the Staff at Dr. Butler and Hettlinger‘s office, children and grandchildren of Setzer’s World of Camping employees who knew him as Santa, a bunch of 30 something softball players, and a host of attending nurses who called him favorite. We hope you will join us for his funeral and interment at St. John’s Episcopal Church, officiated by the Rev. Lisa Graves, Tuesday, May 26 at 5:30 PM, and/or stay for a Tailgate Party to celebrate his life (and his love of the Marshall Football Experience) – immediately following. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please donate to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntington, WV or to the James Butler Endowment Fund, Big Green Scholarship Foundation, Marshall University.
