James Edward Butler, Sr., 92 of Covington, passed away on March, 13 2016, —five months after the passing of his beloved wife of 68 years, Patti Jo Forlines Butler.
Survivors include his brother, Walter Harold Butler and sister-in-law Frances Brady Butler of Snellville; cousin and lifelong friend, Sam Higginbotham of Cumming; children and their spouses, Dee Ann and Howard R. Brandon, Jr. of Madison, James E. Butler, Jr. of Columbus, Dennis Walter and Judi Copas Butler of Columbus, and Laura Jo Butler of Starrsville; grandchildren and spouses, Jennis Brandon Watson (Scott), Howard R. Brandon, III (Jen), James E. (“Jeb”) Butler III (Anne), Emily Butler Patteson (Justin), Catherine Butler, Stewart Butler, and Matthew Butler; great-grandchildren, Evie Brandon and Avi Watson; and many friends and other relatives.
Mr. Butler was preceded in death by his wife Pat Butler and his parents Walter Herman Butler and Laura Johnson Butler of Starrsville.
Mr. Butler was born December 27, 1923, in Atlanta and graduated from Boys High. He enlisted in the United States Navy on Sept. 1, 1942, and served in the Pacific during WW II as a Naval Aviator. He was honorably discharged in 1946 but was recalled to active duty on Feb. 1, 1951 during the Korean Conflict. He served in the Navy Reserve until 1956 when, with four young children at home, he decided it was time to quit flying. Lt. Commander Butler was a carrier fighter pilot who flew F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.
Mr. Butler was a graduate of Southern Technical Institute and had a long career as a mechanical engineer in Atlanta. He lived in Dekalb County, Forsyth County, and then nearing retirement returned to Newton County where his family has lived for eight generations. He could build anything, fix anything, grow anything. He was a dedicated outdoorsman. He loved family, hunting, fishing, square dancing with Pat and friends, woodworking, and gardening, and was for years a volunteer at Newton General Hospital.
Funeral Services for Mr. Butler will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 2 p.m., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, one hour prior to the service, from 12:45 – 1:45 p.m.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staffs of Merryvale Assisted Living in Oxford GA and Atlanta Hospice for their kindness and help. Those who wish to make a contribution in honor of Mr. Butler may do so to the First Baptist Church of Covington Building Fund, 1139 Usher Street, Covington GA 30014.
Visit caldwellandcowan.com to place online condoloences or call 770-786-7062.
