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James Butler Obituary

James Paul Butler, age 40, was welcomed home to the open arms of Jesus Christ, as an ambassador for Jesus. James Paul Butler, entered heaven on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. Mr. Butler was a long time resident of El Paso and taught in the Socorro Independent School District. He was a "difference maker" in the daily lives of children and in working with the Special Olympics. James achieved five black belts in different martial arts disciplines and was the first to open a Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the city of El Paso. His determination and courage were evident; teaching others to have the vision in becoming leaders. Mr. Butler is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Leonarda Butler, parents: Rick and Peggy Butler, son; Stephen James Butler, daughters; Sandra Marie and Paulina Jordan Butler, and sister; Leslie Thomas. Services for Mr. Butler will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Mt. Carmel Funeral Home Chapel with the recitation of the rosary at 1:00 P.M. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 6:00 P.M. at Vista Del Sol Baptist Church. "James completed his mission on earth by making each person's life that he met better"

Published by El Paso Times from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Butler

40 Entries

Pjb

February 17, 2025

Dad I’m a state champ, I lost who I was to become who I am. It’s been extremely difficult but I did it dad. I couldn’t wrestle till Nov and the funny thing is I became a state champ the same day I tore my acl a year ago. I used to do this sport to prove to people I could be someone, or better than you. But now I’m here better then ever no and Thank God I had amazing ppl by my side. My coaches every single one of them. Regardless of the set back they loved me. They motivated me and trusted me. I will forever cherish them as well as the memories. But this weekend dad was special, because I realized I WILL be an amazing coach/ martial artist. Not only that but I’ll inspire millions of people. Dad thank you for putting all these amazing people in my life. God please idk what to do ab college help me figure things out. Thank you for the trials and tribulations dad, please prepare for the next one.

Paulina Butler

July 10, 2024

Dad, I miss wrestling I´m getting better but I´m nowhere near ready. I miss you and wish you were here. Thank God he gave me amazing people to help me during this time. But it´s been challenging, please help me. Take care of everyone who´s helped me so far. I wish you were here. But it´s whatever. Ttyl dad take care of me.

Paulina Butler

May 25, 2024

Hey dad it´s pau, I´m tired this injury is mentally exhausting. I won´t give up but I have doubts. They´re not my reality so I don´t really care bout them. It´s been 2 months since surgery and I´m worried this acl thing is no joke. I´m not scared anymore just really pissed off. Comeback/ setback isn´t it, but please keep my going dad. And I just want to say that everything I lost is worth everything I gain rn. Im thankful for all the ppl who helped me to this point. Please dad take care of me and my thoughts. - Pau

pjb

April 10, 2024

Hey dad it´s been one month since my surgery and I´ve noticed a lot of changes. Mostly in people turns out I expected too much from them. When I was winning everyone loved me and now I´m just trying to figure out what to do. I won´t quit regardless of this setback, because I have to be better than you. I really wish you could tell me what to do. But one things for sure dad, I will be the best athlete and coach I can possibly be. I don´t understand why´d it have to be me if I had everything perfectly done. I worked my butt off to be a champ and when the time was right I lost what I worked for. But I won´t quit dad. I´ll be better than before. Just please stay with me in this journey.

Paulina

March 6, 2024

Hey dad I promise that no matter how hard life is right now I will not quit. I will be working hard to make my own legacy with you working thorough me. I may not remember you but I´ve been told I act just like you. So I know I´ll be bigger than you one day. As much as I want to do what I want to do, I know everything im going through is all apart of God´s plan I just wish I could ask you for the answers, like what am I supposed to do when I want to quit. But im sure you would say we´re Butler´s we will figure it out. And I will dad for you, I won´t let anybody forget what you did. -PJ

March 6, 2024

Hey dad it´s me, it´s getting really hard to continue your legacy. Everything is going wrong, but I won´t quit, I´ll be just like you, and I´ll surpass you.( You´ll see!) I may have not known you, but I´m just like you or so I´m told. I really wish I could ask you, " Are you proud?" But I´m sure you would tell me I´m exactly like you so you would have to be proud of me. But I´m really going to work harder than ever so that nobody forgets who you are. I will leave my legacy and I´ll do it with you instead of for you. -PJ

Sandra Butler

February 15, 2022

Hello father, I am now 20 years old, not so young anymore right?:) Paulina is a walking example of you! Of course, our lives have changed drastically, and I miss you more everyday. I graduated high-school about two years ago, and I´m graduating college later on this year in the medical field. I know your smiling down rooting for me, I also bought my own little civic like you! I can´t wait to reunite with you and tell you all about life on earth. Paulina wants to follow in your footsteps and become a coach, she´s focused on training everyday, studying your books to pass on your legacy. You truly made a difference in my life the short years you were in it. the dojo is growing, We follow your footsteps and will continue your legacy, I love you father.

December 4, 2008

Jay,here we are saying goodbye to you again. Alot has happened since you left, but we are all still here. ayour kids are growing up. Steven is driving everywhere & is on the wrestling team. I know you would be so proud of him. Sandra is beautiful & I think she has really been impacted the most by your death. What can I say about little Paulinea, she is a joy and reminds us of you. She definitely has an attitude that says she is Ji_Jitsu. We miss you so much , youe enthusiam, doing your moves on us and borrowing the truck. Saying you will be right over, and then arriving 2 hours later. Most of all we miss your insightfullness for our Bible studies, Your mom and Leo are still crying every day. We sure wish you didnt have to go but we look forward to that glorious day when we will all be together with ore heavenly Father and all our loved ones, Goodbye for now, but not forever. betty

Rick Sowell

December 4, 2008

Jay, I know this will be the last time to say so long. I will always miss you and hope to see you soon. i know you are not looking down on us knowing the sadness that we are going through missing you. until we meet again, Love uncle Rick.

RICK BUTLER

December 1, 2008

Jay,
A year has gone by and we miss you even more...each day we think of you and wish you were here with us...waiting for the time which we can all be together.....Dad

peggy butler

November 28, 2008

Romans; 8; 24-25, I eagerly yearn for that eternal reunion. we rejoice in the fact that you are with our LORD, and we are guaranteed to spend eternity together,all of us in Christ!Col;1;27. mom, MHNL

Audra

February 28, 2008

Jay, I wish I could see you at my moms house sitting on the couch saying "I gotta go" but still be there for two more hours watching old cowboys shows with my dad. Or taking the girls over to swim in the summer. Thank you for getting us all closer to the Lord. And thank you for helping Chris and taking care of him at Jui-Jitzu. Till we see you again, Love and miss you! PS. Im glad you took such good care of my "tiger" over the years!!!

Lisa Noe

February 11, 2008

Jay,
It was hard for me to remember to call you "James" when you started working in Socorro. I first laid my eyes on you when we attended Hanks. I knew you as Jay Butler, football player...and the one with the beautiful eyes and gorgeous dimple. Yes, I will admit to having a crush on you that you probably never knew about. :) I'm sure there were a lot of girls like me. It was a pleasant surprise when we started working together. I never knew you as a person in high school, but I soon learned about your sweet nature, your generous heart, and your mischevious streak! :) It has since been confirmed for me that the things you'd say in the ARDs as innocent, seemingly casual comments to make parents think were actually well thought out. Aye James! I will miss the levity you brought into a room when you entered it. I know you're in a better place and you are smiling with the thought of the work you started, being continued. We miss you...

David Dempsey

January 23, 2008

James,
I just found out earlier today about your passing and I haven't really been able to stop crying. We've know each other for about 4 years, but I considered you one of my close friends and we still kept in regular contact after I moved away. Miyah and I are really going to miss you and I'll tell my daughter about what a great man you are. My heart goes out to you wife and your children.
With love and sympathy,

Victor Escamilla

January 18, 2008

James,
I knew James only 2 years. I was his student and he was my Teacher. In those 2 years I learned that James was a very humble man, never boasting about himself. I came to know him as a great man because the impact he had on my life. He made me believe that I could be great at Jiu-Jitsu and pushed me to be so. Before I met him, I had never come in first place at anything. He shaped me to a better person. For those reasons I thought he was a great man. Hearing what others have to say about him and his accomplishments coming out into the open for all to know has proven that he was not only a great man in my life but a great man to many others.
Thank you James for making me learn, sweat, fight, and win.

Danny Nolasco

January 15, 2008

Hey James,
I can't express in words how much we all miss you at the gym I go into practice expecting you to walk through the door and say "hey Danny how's everthing going, how's school your almost done now right." The environment you created at the gym was so energetic and full of life, you poured your heart and soul into it and into us all. El Paso Jiu Jitsu is your legacy and IT WILL live on. I will do my best every time I step onto the mat to make sure the world knows what you have created. James you are the best, your spirit vibrates thoughtout the gym and we all know you are with us. I will never forget you my friend, mentor and hero. Till we meet again I love you James

XAVIER GALLEGOS

January 13, 2008

DEAR JIM,
WE ARE VERY SAD DOWN HERE BECAUSE YOU LEFT WITHOUT SAYING,"GOOD BYE."SANDRA ALWAYS CRIES HERSELF TO SLEEP.I WISH YOU CAN COME BACK TO LIFE SO PAULINA CAN REMEMBER HER FATHER.SO SHE CAN GROW UP TO PASS ON HER FATHER'S TALENT SO IT CAN GROW TO BE A TRADITION IN THE FAMILY.EVERYBODY MISSES YOU.THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU
HAVE DONE.

LOVE,
XAVIER 9YRS

AIRAM GALLEGOS

January 13, 2008

JAMES WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WE MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND I CAN'T WAIT TILL I SEE YOU . YOUR GIRLS MISS YOU VERY MUCH TOO! YOUR MOM LOOK SAD AND SHE CRIED EVERY DAY! AND LEO IS DISAPPOINTED! LOVE,AIRAM `7YRS YOUR THE BEST !!!

ISRAELITO GANDARA

January 13, 2008

JIM,THANK YOU JIM FOR TEACHING ME JIU
JITZU BECAUSE IT HELPS ME TAKE CARE
OF MYSELF.I ALWAYS KNEW YOU WERE A GREAT MAN AND THANKS TO JESUS YOU
THOUGHT KIDS AS THEY WERE YOURS.THANKS AUNCLE FOR BEEN A GRAET PART OF MY LIFE.I SAW YOU FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS AND TWOS TWO YEARS I LEARNED A LOT FROM YOU LIKE NEVER EVER,EVER,EVER,EVER,EVER GIVE UP.ALWAYS HAVE HOPE,AND HOW TO DEFEND MYSELF HOW TO SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF.WITH ALL THAT MY MOM WILL BE SO PROUD OF ME.I HOPE THAT YOU ARE THE BEST IN JUI JITZU AND TEACH MY RELATIVES SOME TO PLEASE.TELL MY DAD,MY GRAMPA,AND MY AUNT I LOVE THEM A LOT.THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME.YOU ARE A GREAT MAN AND I'M PROUD OF CALLING YOU A GREAT AUNCLE THANKS FOR EVERYTHING.
ISRAELITO.AGE 10

Lorely Acevedo

January 13, 2008

id give up anything to have him infront of me one last time to tell him how much i love him. they always saay you dont know what you have til its gone and he was the perfect example of that. i never knew how much uncle jay meant to my until i lost him and now its too late to tell him. i cant keep the tears from falling because i cant help but to feel guilty. i knew he could die and i never took the time to say, "uncle jay, you mean alot to me i love you" becuase i didnt know. i dont think anyone understands just how much pain and anger is locked up inside. he is in heaven now of that i am sure. i just wish i could have told him how i feel about him, how imporant he is to me how much i admire him how much i love him. i think the tears are just falling because im afraid. it hasnt hit me yet that he is gone. i know in my head that he died because i held him when he was dead because i saw him dead. but my heart still expects him to walk through that door and laugh and say it was a joke. i still wait by my phone expecting it to ring and it to be uncle jay ready to tell me about another one of his students being champions or a new choke hold he invented. i dont think ive fully compreheded that that isnt going to happen. in my head i know it but not in my heart. i still hope it is all going to be a joke. i miss his laugh. i miss his smile. i miss him. i cant believe he is gone. he was an angel god send for a short time. he had to take him with the rest of my uncles for our own good. it will take time to heal, or it might not heal at all but what keeps me going is that i know uncle jay was ready to go, he left this world satisfied and now he is in heaven preparing the kingom for us.

LORENA GALLEGOS

January 13, 2008

JAMES, TU PARTIDA FUE DESCONCERTANTE, AUN NO LO PUEDO ASIMILAR PERO MAS IMPRESINANTE FUE SABER COMO CAMBIASTE A ESTA SOMBRIA HUMANIDAD... TE EXTRANAMOS MUCHO!!
PD. HABLALE A DIOS DE MI SI??

The Anguiano Family

January 11, 2008

You are very missed ...........
You have made our whole family learn to live life to the fullest and enjoy everyday that we are given with each other .

The Dorantes Family

January 10, 2008

Although we did not know James for many years, he still affected us in such a positive manner, it is hard to ignore. When we came to James' Jui Jitsu, we had the idea that true love for martial arts was gone, but James showed us that there are still people out there who love the art and who are honest, caring people. It brought back our passion for martial arts and trust in the people who instruct it. Thank You James for bringing back our faith.

PAULINA BUTLER

January 9, 2008

DA DA DA... PAPA PAPA, I WILL BE YOUR SOUL IN THE EARTH, AND YOUR DESTINY, I WILL BE BIG, JUST LIKE YOU, MY HERO DADY, AND ONE DAY YOU WILL STAY FOREVER, WITH US...
YOUR LITTLE PAULINA JORDAN 1YR OLD.
MUUUAAA.... BESITOS Y OJITOS PARA TI....

Emilio Minotti

January 9, 2008

I met Jay many years ago he was the type of person who after you left you felt uplifted and if you knew him for a long time like me you come out of it a better person.A very rare person!

Thomas McKay

January 8, 2008

James Butler. What an inspirational and astonishing human being, What a talented and dedicated individual. What a force in the martial arts, especially Jiu-Jitsu. What an admirable teacher in our schools and at his dojo. What an exemplified leader he was for the youth, adults and senior citizens like myself. What selfishness he demonstrated in all aspects of life. What a humanitarian with his erstwhile work with 'The Special Olympics' and other civic duties. And what a friend, a loving and dear friend, a friend who shared his blood, sweat and tears with me. And what an amazing grace it is that he took me under his wing when I was old, wasted with disease and seemingly at the end of my rope as a coach. All that and more was James Butler. If you please, I would like to tell you about the MORE.
" A couple of years ago, I ran across James and his partner, Benny Benavidez at the Jiu-Jitsu Gym. Both men are giants of the game. Benny won the 2007 Pan American Games Gold Medal in Jiu-Jitsu. Nice, eh? We'll the local press in this city somehow didn't get it. The Pan Am Games is a stepping stone to both the World Games and the Olympics. Channel 7 discovered the news and ran a special on Benny. Naturally, no other El Pasoan has accomplished such a feat. And Benny knows deep down just how much his mentor in Jiu-Jitsu, James Butler, meant in his preparation for the games. For those of you who don't know, Benny is the 'Trivia' question for El Paso when it comes the games. Believe it, he won won the Gold Medal at the games 25 years ago as a wrestler."
James also brought in some of the Brazilian Gracie family to hone his teams skills. And he brought in black belts from Puerto Rico and other locales like Arizona. Well and good one might say. Yes, but what is so absolutely stunning is that the black belt experts were themselves enthralled by James ability, skill, winning mindset and execution of his art to a level that even they admired; maybe even envied. In dojo matches, no one, not black belts or anyone else in whatever art form they brought to the gym, could master James. In any 3-5 head-to-head matches, James would always come out ahead. Yes, he was that good. Some of the best techniques witnessed by viewers watching MMA and other art forms on TV that take an opponent out or have him submit, are nearly impossible to do on James. With calf muscles like tree trunks and a chest like a sumo wrestler, James just wasn't vulnerable to those world champion winning techniques. Should he have had a good trainer and the right circumstances to go professional, he would have been a world champion in a few heartbeats. That wasn't his way. He wanted his dream dojo to be best in the world for teaching young people and adults more than just competition skills. He wanted them to learn his methods of training that would enable them to defend themselves, their family and their honor in the worst of circumstances. And even when his team did go to competitions, every memeber competing usually won a gold medal or at worse, a Silver or Gold. And that wasn't the end of his lifetime pursuit with Jiu-Jitsu. He not only dreamed of taking the weakest kids or those who had been intimidated by bullies or left off of school sports teams because they didn't have naturally gifted talent and toughness, and turning them into champions and outstanding citizens. He was well on the way to those goals when his heart just gave out. And I have aspired for those same goals for over 45 years in sports. I have been fortunate to have had a few athletic types join my boxing team or work at kickboxing, but for the most part, I have built the bullied kid into a man who the bullies dared not mess with. So, it seems strange that I would say that James and I are opposites.
Getting back to when James, Benny and I first met and James made me an offer I couldn't refuse, there were great philosophical differences that seemingly would not let we opposites attract. You see, I am a complete agnostic and secular humanist like so many of my famous heroes of this country and James was a devout Chrisitan with no holds barred. Seemingly, one would figure James would send me packing. No, there was something more to the relationship to come that I will cherish forever. I felt and I believe James felt some sort of Blood Bond between us. And it was immediate chemistry. It was in a sense, a spiritual bonding, an awareness of one being your true brother in more than just genetics. In short, it was a special love, not a physical love, but a deep love of respect and honor that has no dead-end for differing philosophy's. A love that lifted my pride and gave me back my confidence in doing my art and doing in a way that James would respect and admire. I really didn't think I was up to the task and my cancer, heart disease and ONJ certainly gave me fits at times. I thought James would eventually get rid of me. Oh no, he called me regularly for advice and I urged him constantly for Jiu-Jitsu techniques an old bugger like me could apply in case of danger if my bullet punches didn't do the job. And James always came through. He was a tireless taskmaster and worker and granted, he may have just plain worked too damned hart at too many endeavors. But, champions are that way and James is a champion in every way it can be described. I have worked with many a great prospect or local or state or national champion and I respect and care for most of them. I have two sons that have won local, state and national honors and how proud that has made me is indescribable. I love them from the depths of my heart.I have spent years with the likes of David Rodriguez, Ernie Lazcano, and Randall 'Tex' Cobb. I cared and do care sincerely about those fighter's, especially Ernie with whom I communicate with regularly. Mostly, I have spent decades with Cliff 'Magic' Thomas, El Paso's first world champion in any sport and and who I feel is so close to me as to be my loving brother. We corroborated on the book, 'Magic! Magic! Magic!
I'm coming up on 74 years of age and have lost my dearly beloved friends Alex Guerrero and Santos Quijano. I loved those great El Paso men so much that it sometimes cut me to the quick. And that brings me back to James. He was only 40. Everything seems so surreal. Here he was, basking in our recent successes and then in his hours of triumph as a coach, he is felled. I still haven't got over the deep and stabbing hurt. He was a man I totally respected, a great father to his children, a fantastic husband to his wife, Leonardo, and one of a handful of great men I have loved and admired in my lifetime. Like his family, students, coaches, friends and loved ones, he will surely be missed. However, I doubt that he will ever be forgotten. Too many good people have learned too much from the master and they will help carry on his leagacy.
James, I do hope your dreams come true no matter how our philosophy differs, You sure deserve a better place. Love ya my good man.

Thomas W. McKay
Boxing/Striking Coach
El Paso Jiu-Jitsu
Founder Boxing/
Martial Arts Hall Of Fame.
45 Year Boxing/Kickboxing Coach

LEONARDA BUTLER

December 31, 2007

Hola my angel, November 28th was the day were the this earth lost the biggest angel of god. I miss you mi amor, but I know that some day we will be together to continue our love for the eternity. You wife. Te amo.

stephen james butler

December 29, 2007

dad i am thankful to have known and Im glad that this past year I got to know you better. Thankyou for introducing Christ into my life and also martial arts even though I was a pain in the butt the whole time you taught me thanks and love you

SANDRA MARIE BUTLER

December 27, 2007

DEAR DADY, COULD YOU BRING ME MUSIC, I LOVE YOU AND I WANT TO SLEEP WHIT YOU, I LOVE YOU. I HOPE SO THAT YOU FEEL BETTER. WE ARE MISSING YOU A LOT. BUT I KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY HART. DAD GO AND PREPARE A CRYSTAL HOUSE FOR US. THANK YOU BYE. FROM SANDRA YOUR BABY GRIL.5ys

jackie thomas

December 21, 2007

Jay, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I regret not knowing you the way so many others did. You are an awesome spirit and I know that you are watching over all of us from heaven. See you someday soon...missing you.

Rick butler

December 19, 2007

Jay,
I cant tell how much your mother and I miss you..forty years is not nearly enough time to have you with us...you made this entire family believers in the Lord, and it is because of you, we will all be joining you at the right hand of God. I love and miss you..
Dad

Rick Sowell

December 18, 2007

Jay,
You were truly a Warrior for Jesus Christ. I know you will fight with all your might against Satan. I am sure you have your Black Belt by now in life from the Lord. I will miss watching Gunsmoke with you. I will miss talking to you.
love, Uncle Rick

Betty Havard

December 18, 2007

Jay,
I always loved you & you will always be in my heart.I will always remember you. I love you, granma.

Adrian

December 17, 2007

Jay,
I wish I could have the opportunity to thank you for making me a better person. You were and still are an inspiration to me and my family. I wish we could have spent more time together. I will miss you, but I will keep your memories alive. In what you taught me is our strongest muscle, the heart. I know your watching over us and that alone has strength my faith. Thank you.

mom butler

December 17, 2007

Jay, my darling son, I thank God for allowing me to share this earth with you for forty short years. One day we will all be together again in glory for eternity. My heart "burns" for that day to come!!!

Cameron Martinez

December 17, 2007

Uncle Jay, was a great person. He use to teach me in Ju Jitzu but then I started baseball. I remember he was so good at teaching Ju Jitzu. I remember his green eyes. I know he is doing great in heaven. Love, Cambo

Leslie Thomas

December 17, 2007

Jay,
I wish was able to see your face again to tell you that "I believe". I know you were truly an angel here on earth. I promise to live everyday with passion guided by my heart. You were an inspiration to so many and your legacy will definitely live on. We have no fear knowing that you are with your lord and preparing to return one day. We will see you soon, but not soon enough. I love you! Leslie

Betty Sowell

December 17, 2007

Jay was my nephew. His friends described him as passionate. I dont know one person that can be summed up so beautifully in only one word, but that was Jay.We will miss him dearly.

Audra Sowell

December 17, 2007

Jay, Bible study just isn't the same without you, but we are getting better at it. We know your in heaven preparing for a bigger battle. We miss you and love you. Love your cousin, Audra

Mary Andrzejewski

December 16, 2007

James was my good friend, and I will miss him. I know he is walking around Heaven right now!

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