Butler, James Frederick

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James (Jim) Frederick Butler, 96, of Pearisburg peacefully passed away on Sunday morning, December 11, 2022, at the New River Medical Center in Christiansburg, Virginia. Mr. Butler was born on January 4, 1926, in Pearisburg, VA. He was the son of the late William Powell Butler and Carrie Kelley Butler. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Hazel Stafford, Ruth Richardson, and Ann Havens; and two brothers, Harold and William P. Butler.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Mary T. Butler; his son, Michael Butler of Narrows, VA; and daughter, Teresa B. Jones (Stephen) of Blacksburg; grandchildren, Kalyn B. Ratcliff (Jason) of Christiansburg; and Taylor Jones (Ali) of Mechanicsville; great-grandchildren, Madisyn Lawrence, Makenna Lawrence, Aubree Ratcliff, Elizabeth Ratcliff, and Victoria Ratcliff of Christiansburg, and Tayli Jones of Mechanicsville, VA; and a sister, Monty Sowder of Salem.

Jim was a proud WWII veteran, serving three years in Europe and three years in Japan during Occupation. He served as a surgical tech and was a member of the 11th Airborne Division, having made 36 jumps.

Jim worked at the Radford Arsenal for 35 years and retired as a line supervisor.

He had an assortment of interests. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing tomatoes and sharing them with neighbors. He was a master wood worker and made furniture for the family which will be handed down as heirlooms. He was a carpenter and helped to build many homes in Pearisburg, VA.

The family will receive friends in the Kendall Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A funeral service will be conducted in the Kendall Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Internment will follow in the Birchlawn Abbey in Pearisburg, Virginia with Military Honors given.

Dementia stole many of his memories in his final year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimers Association in hopes that one day a cure may be found.

A guestbook is available to send condolences by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Butler family.