Jerry Colvin Butcher

Jerry “Butch” Butcher passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Born March 20, 1950 in Clearfield, Kentucky, he is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Cynthia Butcher; his mother, Oleta Butcher; two sisters, Janet Butcher and Joan Butcher; and cousin David (Margaret) Butcher. He is also survived by other cousins, extended family members including Dorothy Heinrich, and many friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Butcher.

At Hawthorne grade school, he enjoyed playing basketball and all the outdoor activities that the small school offered. Growing up in the Riverdale area of Dayton, Jerry caught the soccer “bug” at an early age when George Bruggeman taught the neighborhood kids how to play. That lead to a lifelong affection for the sport.

While at Colonel White High School, Jerry participated in basketball and track & field. He was actively involved in non-athletic activities including serving as Vice President of his senior class.

Jerry received his undergraduate degree from Wright State University. While working for the Montgomery County Juvenile Court, he acquired his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Dayton. That same year (1973), he married Cindy - the love of his life. He spent non-work hours teaching children the fundamentals and rules of soccer. Jerry became soccer coach at Central State University and then transitioned to soccer coach at the University of Dayton (1980-1983). He started selling soccer equipment at his business, Dayton Soccer Supply. The business evolved into Arena Pro Shops that sold soccer and hockey equipment.

In 1983, Jerry embarked on his dream of owning his own business and turned an old tennis barn into Englewood Indoor Soccer (EIS). Soccer fans of all ages played at EIS until a fire destroyed the building in 2017. Jerry (Butch) touched the lives of many people who passed through the EIS doors.

Another venture was starting a professional indoor soccer team. In 1988, the Dayton Dynamo became a reality. Jerry was president and General Manager for this expansion franchise team until 1991. Along the way, Jerry and Cindy established Butcher Properties, managing several rental properties.

As a youngster, Jerry and his father would spend Saturdays watching Big Time wrestling. As an adult, he attended many wrestling events – even having memorable encounters with Wild Bull Curry and Mick Foley. He enjoyed all genres of music and had some great stories about concerts in the ‘60s. But mostly, Jerry enjoyed traveling with Cindy and spending time with family and friends.

To share a memory of Jerry or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

A visitation for Jerry will be held on Monday, February 03, 2024 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, February 04, 2025 at 11:00am with burial to follow at Dayton Memorial Park.