James aka JayBee departed this earth on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.  He was born in Princess Anne County, VA on July 14, 1939 to the late Lawrence Berry and Ella Virginia Butler.

The family moved to Newport News, VA, where he graduated from Huntington High School class of 1957.  While attending Huntington High School, he played football and sang in the choir.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for over 20 years.  After retiring, he worked at in the mental health field to include the Community Services Board and Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP).  He and his wife started a business together "Karaoke With A Flair" which provided entertainment throughout the 757 area.

He loved to travel and together he and Rosemary made many road trips which they shared with their friends and family.  He was an avid golfer and a big Dallas Cowboy fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rosemary Butler, two sons, Timmy Butler (Mona) of Culpepper, VA and Michael Butler (Sherri) of Plano, TX , five daughters, Karen Butler of Newport News, VA, Cheryl Henry Sweet (Gary) of Sacramento, CA, Tonya Butler of Alexandria, VA, Michelle Watson of Newport News, VA and Beth Butler of Houston, TX, two step-daughters, Diane Burnett of Durham, NC and Shana Israel (Yadah) of Newport News, VA,  one brother, Lawrence Butler (Jacqueline) of Akron,  OH and one nephew, Christopher Butler of Akron, OH, 16 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren,  a very special cousin, Jeanette Stallings and a host of many relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 12 Noon, Friday, September 1, 2023 at the funeral chapel. Entombment will follow with full military honors at Hampton Memorial Gardens.