March 7, 1933 – August 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James Ray “Jim” Butts Sr. on Friday, August 8, 2025. He was born on March 7, 1933, the second child of Cecil and Ruth Butts.
After graduating from Westfield High School, Jim married Nan Marie Seeright on May 17, 1952, and spent the next 73 ½ years in marital bliss. Their union produced six children: John, Jan, Jimmy, Julia, Joe, and Jayne.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, Jim was a Morse code instructor during the Korean War. Honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to his family and work at the Pennsylvania Railroad for 43 years, eventually retiring from Conrail in 1995.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, and a member of the Cicero Chapter of Eastern Star #541.
Jim passed away in his home, lovingly cared for by his three daughters. The family is so grateful for him never having to go to a care facility.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Butts and Ruth (Kirkham) Butts Key; his stepparents, Doris (McClellen) Butts and Oscar Key; and his son, John Raymond Butts.
He is survived by his sister, Thelma Stephens; little brother, Virgil Lee Butts; his loving wife, Nan Marie Butts; his children, Jan Marie Forton, James Ray Butts Jr., Julia Mae (James) Hoskins, Joseph Arthur (Renee) Butts, and Jayne Mildred (Patrick) Towne; his grandchildren, Seth Macy (Amanda Baitz), James (Billie) Butts, Travis (Erin) Macy, Jennifer (Zeb) Pickett, Christy (Mike) Zeller, Ethan (Liza) Macy, Jill (Danny) Zeller, Katy (Pat) Butts-Ryan, Drew (Sam) Butts, Julia Towne (Zac Nazarett) and Josey Towne (Hunter Andrews); 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Jim will always be remembered for his strong love for Nan and his family, his green thumb, and his amazing prolific garden.
A private service for the family will be held at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2025, at Summit Lawn Cemetery in Westfield.
Condolences: randallroberts.com