James Herman Butler

James Herman Butler was born on September 26, 1935, in Memphis, TN, to the late John H. Butler and Gussie Dobbs-Butler. James, the middle son of six children grew up in North Memphis area affectionally known as “Scutterfield.” James joined Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church at a young age under the leadership of Reverend Kemp.

As James grew older, he joined his parents and three siblings in the family dry cleaning business. James was known as a “Mama’s boy”. Whenever his mother was away from the house, he would canvass the neighborhood looking for his beloved mother, who would often be at their other family business, Butler’s Sundry or taking care of his “twin” baby sister, LeeEtta, who was born on the same day, two years later.

James attended Manassas High School and was a great football player for Manassas during his high school years. James and his close friends Logan Mitchell and Theodore Brown helped Manassas win the city championship during their senior year, in 1953.

After graduation, James followed his older sister Iris Jean on a football scholarship to Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. Initially thinking about Medicine, he decided to become a teacher and wanted to be a role model like the educators at his beloved high school Manassas. Further studies earned him two master’s degrees from Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, MI and Baylor University in Waco, TX.

In July of 1958, James was inducted into the U.S. Army as a Heavy Weapons Infantryman and served in Germany his entire enlistment. He was a reservist until 1964.

While home on leave in Memphis, TN, his grandmother mentioned she wanted him to meet a young lady who was visiting her father for the summer. That young lady was Sandra L. Hudson, who also introduced him to the SDA Church. They were married on December 4th, 1960, and were blessed with two children Ronald Eugene and Karen. Their love story lasted 54 years. Sandra and Ronald preceded him in death.

After settling in Chicago, IL James started his teaching career developing young minds in Science at John Marshall High School and ended his teaching tenure at J.O. Johnson High School here in Huntsville.

James always loved music and sang in various male groups over the years. He joined the “Singing Men” under the direction of the late Douglas Bell. As many know the mission for this group was spreading God’s word through music. For years, they would sing to those sick in Huntsville and Crestwood Hospitals. We would often laugh that he also used that as an excuse to eat first because he had to go and sing. He loved his Singing Men brotherhood. After many years he started singing with the group “Ambience” where they continued to travel to churches, hospitals, and blessing people with their music.

Another passion was food and he and his closest friend the late Donald Green, the trailblazers of vegetarian delicacies, decided that they wanted to venture out to open a vegetarian restaurant and hence “Chubs Subs” was born. We thank them for the “Chef’s Special”.

James truly loved God and shared his faith with many people over the years and all the religious debates he would have with family and friends and neighbors.

He was blessed with another loyal companion Phyliss Campbell-Butler, and her beautiful family who embraced him with love.

James latest plan was to move to the Atlanta, GA area to be with his beloved daughter, however on February 7th, 2023, God had another plan for him and knew that it was his time to rest. His beautiful life will forever be cherished by his family and a host of friends and students that he taught over the years.

Until we meet again, he leaves wife, Phyllis Campell-Butler, his daughter, Karen Butler-Jackson, Sister Iris Marable (Flint, MI), Nephew Judge Herman Marable (Flint, MI), Niece Kim Stewart (Memphis, TN) Nephew Craig Stewart (Memphis, TN) Nephew Adrian Stitt (Memphis, TN) Cousin Dorothy Butler-Gilliam (Washington, DC) Cousin Blair Butler (Louisville, KY), Cousin Joyce Tucker-Standors (Chicago, IL). He also gained three wonderful stepchildren, Karnice Holloway, Dr. Jacqueline Campbell and Charles Campbell.

The Hudson family that embraced him as their Brother-in-law and Uncle.

Rosemary Hudson Peart, John Hudson, Cynthia Hudson, Carolyn Hudson-Johnson (Lon-deceased), Marlene Hudson (Cass-deceased), Mary Holloway-Hudson (Errol-deceased)

Nieces: Carolyn Hudson-Luckett, Felisha Tate-Martin, Cassandra Hudson, Vanessa Hudson, Terri Peart, and Karen Peart

Nephews: Alex “JR” Hudson, Andrew Hudson, Aaron Hudson, Lon “Skip” Hudson, Jerrett Adams, Rick Peart, Mark Peart and Errol Peart

A Granddog “Precious” a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, and friends of the Manassas High School Class of 1953.