Celebrating the life of
James A. Butler
October 29, 1958 - August 22, 2014
Retired Army Officer
SAVANNAH - James Allen Butler, age 55, died August 22, 2014 at Candler Hospital surrounded by his wife and very close, special friends.
He was born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota on October 29, 1958 and grew up in Tempe, Arizona. During his high school years he was third in the state of Arizona in the Pentathlon Competition. He graduated from Marcos de Niza High School.
After attending Community College and joining the Army, he became a helicopter pilot, specializing in instruction of flying CH47 Chinook for 20 years. He served his country for 23 years in Oklahoma, Korea, Alabama, South Carolina, Italy, and most recently in Savannah, Georgia. After retiring from the Army in 1998, Chief Warrant Officer Butler has resided in Savannah for 19 years.
Jim Butler earned a Masters Degree in Business and Accounting from St. Leo University. His last year was spent working at Mission Essentials; considered more as an enjoyable hobby.
Surviving are his wife, Kathy Waters Butler of the home; daughter, Kelly Brightly and grandchildren Aubry and Damien of Clovis, New Mexico; his father, William E. Butler and wife Lydia of Tempe, Arizona; his mother, LuVerne Evans and husband Kent of Payson, Arizona; his sister, Julie Kenkel and husband Kevin of Litchfield Park, Arizona; nephew, Sam and niece, Carly; brother, William M. Butler of Alamo Gordo, New Mexico; brother-in-law, Michael Waters and wife Sue and nephew Austin Waters of Greenwood, South Carolina.
He was predeceased by brother, Thomas David Butler of Huntington Beach, California and father-in-law James L. Waters.
Jim is lovingly remembered by relatives and best friends, Tanis and David Lyles, Gregg Hooker, Russell Waters, Dot and Carol Anderson, Ann Underwood, and Howard and Lisette Swaim.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, it was Jim’s wish that any remembrances being made in his memory be directed to the DAV – Disabled American Veterans, 1700 Clairmont Rd., Decatur, GA 30033.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Rest in peace kind Sir! Kathy, our prayers go out to you and your family.
- Robert & Ellen Henry, Franklin , TN
Kathy you will be in my thoughts and prayers for many days to come . Debbie Waters Ninety Six SC
- Debbie Waters, Ninety Six, SC
Kathy, I was so saddened to hear of your husbands' passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
- Virginia Waters Garrison, Ninety Six , SC
Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. Jimmy touched our lives and we are better for that experience. I shared many great times with my brother and, gradually those memories will help fill in the gap, his passing leaves. Sleep well, little brother, Heaven holds a special place for good people, like you. I will see you again, someday.
- Bill Butler, big Brother, Alamogordo, N M
Kathy, Sending our deepest symphathies and much love to you And family. Love your cousins, Ann and Bonnie
- Ann Laplant / Bonnie Deming, Richfield, Mn.
Kathy, Karen and I are deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. Jim was my best friend growing up, we met as Freshman in High School and became good friends ever since. I have a tremendous number of awesome memories of Jim and I enjoying life as we got older. Our last get together was extra special and we really enjoyed sharing old stories and talking about new ones in the future. It's hard to believe that I was talking with him 6 weeks ago and he was in good spirits and health and now he has passed away...Our entire family (Mom, Dad, Brother, Cousins, and Friends) knew and loved Jim, he was basically one of the family...Our love and prayers go out to Kathy, and all of her relatives and friends, and to all of Jim's relatives, family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all of us!!!
- Gregg and Karen Hooker, Chandler, Arizona
R.I.P. Jim. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and all his family and friends. We lost a good one!
- Wayne C. Purdy, Owings Mills, MD
I knew Jim Butler when I was Stationed in Avaino Italy. Did alot of flying with him. He Is a Great Man. R.I.P Jim.
- Michael S. Kelly, Daytona Beach, Fl
I knew Jim Butler when I was Stationed in Avaino Italy. Did alot of flying with him. He Is a Great Man. R.I.P Jim.
- Michael S. Kelly, Daytona Beach, Fl
Kathy, I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's untimely passing. Please accept my most sincere condolence. I know how difficult this must be for you as I went through this four years ago when Margaret went away. Both left us far too early. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Jim Brooks, San Antonio, TX
Please accept my love and very sorry. You are in my prayers and heart., love, michael
- Michael Hammett , Greenwood, Sc
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
I send my deepest condolences to the family. Death is never an easy thing to bear , it is very hard to get over. But there is hope because Jehovah and Jesus promises a resurrection for all mankind who have fallen asleep in death so we will be able to them agan in the resurrection, how do we know , because The Biblle tells us so at John 5:28,29 this scripture will give the family comfort and hope.Agan sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Kathy, i am so so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be always remembered as one of the special people that touched My heart.
- Jean Hanley, Easley,, SC
We are so sorry for your loss! Jim was one of the nicest guys we ever met and we enjoyed family gatherings with him. We know he will be sorely missed by many, especially by our shared nephew. Wishing you God's peace and love always.
- Mike and Linda Smith, West Union, SC
Jim had one of the kindest souls of anyone we have ever known. All our lives are better for him having been a part of them. We have so many great memories with "Uncle Jim". We will miss him so much, every day, and will forever be grateful for our time with him here. We love you Kathy.
- Mike, Sue & Austin Waters, Greenwood, SC
To my loved cousin, Kathy and family; so sorry for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend. I know your grief, my heart and prayers are with you. He will be missed by all who knew him, but in our hearts always. Love to you and family.
- Barbara Ann Underwood, Ninety Six, SC
Rest in peace kind Sir! Kathy, our prayers go out to you and your family.
- Robert & Ellen Henry, Franklin , TN
Kathy you will be in my thoughts and prayers for many days to come . Debbie Waters Ninety Six SC
- Debbie Waters, Ninety Six, SC
Kathy, I was so saddened to hear of your husbands' passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
- Virginia Waters Garrison, Ninety Six , SC
Thanks to each and every one of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. Jimmy touched our lives and we are better for that experience. I shared many great times with my brother and, gradually those memories will help fill in the gap, his passing leaves. Sleep well, little brother, Heaven holds a special place for good people, like you. I will see you again, someday.
- Bill Butler, big Brother, Alamogordo, N M
Kathy, Sending our deepest symphathies and much love to you And family. Love your cousins, Ann and Bonnie
- Ann Laplant / Bonnie Deming, Richfield, Mn.
Kathy, Karen and I are deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. Jim was my best friend growing up, we met as Freshman in High School and became good friends ever since. I have a tremendous number of awesome memories of Jim and I enjoying life as we got older. Our last get together was extra special and we really enjoyed sharing old stories and talking about new ones in the future. It's hard to believe that I was talking with him 6 weeks ago and he was in good spirits and health and now he has passed away...Our entire family (Mom, Dad, Brother, Cousins, and Friends) knew and loved Jim, he was basically one of the family...Our love and prayers go out to Kathy, and all of her relatives and friends, and to all of Jim's relatives, family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all of us!!!
- Gregg and Karen Hooker, Chandler, Arizona
R.I.P. Jim. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and all his family and friends. We lost a good one!
- Wayne C. Purdy, Owings Mills, MD
I knew Jim Butler when I was Stationed in Avaino Italy. Did alot of flying with him. He Is a Great Man. R.I.P Jim.
- Michael S. Kelly, Daytona Beach, Fl
I knew Jim Butler when I was Stationed in Avaino Italy. Did alot of flying with him. He Is a Great Man. R.I.P Jim.
- Michael S. Kelly, Daytona Beach, Fl
Kathy, I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's untimely passing. Please accept my most sincere condolence. I know how difficult this must be for you as I went through this four years ago when Margaret went away. Both left us far too early. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
- Jim Brooks, San Antonio, TX
Please accept my love and very sorry. You are in my prayers and heart., love, michael
- Michael Hammett , Greenwood, Sc
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
Roger and I are sending our deepest sympathies in the loss of Jim. We have such fond memories of all of you during our time in Aviano. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Roger and Lisa Graves, Virginia Beach, VA
I send my deepest condolences to the family. Death is never an easy thing to bear , it is very hard to get over. But there is hope because Jehovah and Jesus promises a resurrection for all mankind who have fallen asleep in death so we will be able to them agan in the resurrection, how do we know , because The Biblle tells us so at John 5:28,29 this scripture will give the family comfort and hope.Agan sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Kathy, i am so so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be always remembered as one of the special people that touched My heart.
- Jean Hanley, Easley,, SC
We are so sorry for your loss! Jim was one of the nicest guys we ever met and we enjoyed family gatherings with him. We know he will be sorely missed by many, especially by our shared nephew. Wishing you God's peace and love always.
- Mike and Linda Smith, West Union, SC
Jim had one of the kindest souls of anyone we have ever known. All our lives are better for him having been a part of them. We have so many great memories with "Uncle Jim". We will miss him so much, every day, and will forever be grateful for our time with him here. We love you Kathy.
- Mike, Sue & Austin Waters, Greenwood, SC
To my loved cousin, Kathy and family; so sorry for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and friend. I know your grief, my heart and prayers are with you. He will be missed by all who knew him, but in our hearts always. Love to you and family.
- Barbara Ann Underwood, Ninety Six, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
