James was preceded in death by his parents, Walter B. and Hazel Mae Butler. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Naff; brother, Randall (Karen) Butler; niece, Kelley (Kris) Kivilaan; nephews, Dan (Joel), Barry (Diana), and Andy Naff; great-niece, Elley Melton (Austin); and great-nephews, Jaden Naff and Jack Kivilaan.
James was a graduate of DuPont High School, Class of 1969. He was employed at DuPont and later retired from American Airlines.
James loved the outdoors, including hiking in the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, and Mexico, and backpacking over the Chilkoot Pass trail from Alaska to British Columbia. He was a member and instructor with the Karate School of Nashville, where he earned a 6th-degree black belt in Isshinryu Karate.
Two of James's favorite charities were St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the USO (United Service Organization).
