James “Jim” Butler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born on Wednesday, October 3, 1951, in Breese, the son of James T. Butler and Barbara (Potts) Thurman. He married the love of his life, Jan Darin on February 2, 1979, and last Sunday was their 46th Wedding Anniversary.
A longtime resident of Hoffman, Illinois, Jim was a devoted family man who, together with his wife of 46 years, Jan Butler, created a warm and welcoming home filled with joy and adventure. He was the proud father of five children: Shelly Peper of Centralia, Darin Kerwin and his wife Sarah of Troy, Kent Butler and his wife Audrey of Hoffman, Andy Butler and husband Brandon Ronhovde of Hickman, Nebraska, and Rhealyn Butler and wife Kim Rasor of Troy. His family was his pride and joy, and he leaves behind eleven adoring grandchildren: Katelyn, Nathan, Aubrey, Alyssa, Gavin, Jacie, Kaiden, Kendree, Brayden, Jenna, and Breanna. Jim is also survived by his loving sisters, Nancy Hill of Hoffman and Lisa Knapp of Beckemeyer, as well as his sister-in-law, Ann Toedte, and her husband Gary of Centralia. He was a cherished uncle to several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. Butler and Barbara Thurman, as well as his brother, Jesse Butler, and his sister, Cindy Maxfield.
A proud veteran, Jim served his country with honor in the U.S. Navy. After his service, he found his calling as a truck driver, a profession that afforded him the opportunity to explore the open road, a fitting match for his adventurous spirit. Jim had a passion for spending money on his collection of remote control planes and trains, and for his love of motorcycles and T-bucket’s. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life such as camping, fishing, and hunting. A lover of old westerns, he could often be found watching classics like “Gun Smoke” and “Cheyenne.” Jim was a staple in his community, often seen greeting each morning on his front porch in Hoffman with a welcoming smile and a cup of coffee in hand. Jim lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Jim’s life will be celebrated in a special way, just as he wished. Cremation rites will be accorded, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date to gather those who loved him and to share stories and memories of his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Colleen Nesbit Memorial Foundation and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Jim’s family during this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
