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James Butkus Obituary
Died: May 17, 2008; in Woodstock
WOODSTOCK - James Donald Butkus, 74, of Woodstock, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at his home.
He was born May 30, 1933, in LaSalle, to Felix and Frances Butkus. He married Betty Joan Hunter on Oct. 18, 1956.
He was a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and earned his MBA from the Executive Program at the University of Chicago. He worked his entire career in the manufacturing industry, primarily for capital equipment manufacturers, ultimately serving as president and CEO of Zimmermann and Jansen Inc. and Blaw Knox Equipment, both in Pittsburgh.
An avid reader, he enjoyed history, politics and westerns. He loved antiques, fishing, classical and jazz music, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Survivors include his dear wife of nearly 52 years, Joan. He was loving father of four children, J. Steven (Rosemarie), Susan (Michael) Himes, Scott (Kim) and Nancy (Tod) Henderson; and cherished papa of eight grandchildren, Audrey, Claire, Jennifer, Jamie, Thomas, Hannah, Katherine and Jake.
The visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the memorial service at noon Thursday, May 22, at First United Methodist Church, 201 W. South St., Woodstock.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Centegra Sage Cancer Center, in care of Centegra Health System Foundation, 404 S. Route 31, McHenry, IL 60050, or First United Methodist Church, 201 W. South St., Woodstock, IL 60098.
For information, call Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake at 815-459-3411.
Sign the guest book at www. NWHerald.com/obits
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May 15, 2009
Dad:
It has been almost a year since your passing. I think of you often as do many others. Looking back, I realize how many times from my college years until days before your passing you confided in me and the trust you placed in me ... some things perhaps nobody else would know about you and your own feelings, fears, joys over the years. I will never forget the last words you said to me. You are not forgotten. I remain honored and I miss you.
Love, Steve
May 13, 2009
Dear sister Joan and family,
It is just a few days short of being a year since Jim was released from all suffering as he passed on to the next life. We know you continue to grieve your loss. We have marveled at you as you have learned many new tasks and have handled all of his affairs well. Joan, we know Jim is proud of your continued care of the flower gardens and home that he dearly loved. We are thinking of you and praying for all of you as you approach the anniversary of Jim's death.
We are here and want to comfort and help you in any way possible. We love each one of you. Each of you is very special in your own way. May the Lord continue to watch over you.
"My grace is sufficient for you."
2 Corinthians 12:9
Jim and Carolyn Pinney
peggy hopper
December 29, 2008
please accept our deepest sympathy
in your loss. george&peggy hopper
Nancy Butkus Henderson
July 3, 2008
Hi Dad -
Wow - I really do miss you. You know there was nothing unsaid between us - I am so very grateful that I have a father with whom I could always speak my mind and who encouraged my independent streak. You have been a great mentor for me throughout my life. You were always there to lend some courage when I needed to change paths and always there to celebrate my successes. I will really miss your astute and intelligent observations during our conversations about the business side of life as much as I will miss your funny sense of humor. I am sure when Dilbert gets to Heaven you will have a lot to talk about! Please know what a wonderful difference you have made in my life.
P.S. Jake and Hannah are catching fish like crazy this summer with the rods you gave them. Did you put in a good word for them??
Mom - please know we are here for you and love you very much!
Love, Nancy
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Egon Schmidt
June 26, 2008
Dear Joan,
I want you to know that my thoughts and my sympathy are with you during these sorrowful days. Jim was an excellent manager and our Ambassador in America. But he also was a good friend. I remember our business trips in the US and Europe when we had time to exchange our ideas on the many common personal fields of interest. I admired Jim's broad knowledge of history and politics but also of music and culture.
I shall miss his humour and intelligence. God bless you.
Dr. Egon Schmidt, Erftstadt-Liblar, Germany
Jim and Carolyn Pinney
June 11, 2008
To our dear sister, Joan, and family,
We are mourning your loss with you. Jim and all of you come to our minds daily. What fun we had as families when we all lived in Arlington Hts. We remember some wonderful Christmas Eves as we went to church and than gathered around the punch bowl and the goodie table. And there were some interesting Easters as well. We will always remember the possum stuck in our window well on Kaspar. It was on an Easter after dinner when the kids found him there. They expected their "brave" Dads to free the poor thing. Jim Pinney stayed in the basement and tapped on the window with a broom handle while the "braver" Jim Butkus was outside trying to coax the animal to walk up a board. The possum finally trusted Jim B. enough to walk up the board and he scurried away. Those times and many more bring great memories of the fun and closeness we experienced. Those memories are extra special now. Know that we are always here for you. We continue to pray for all of you.
We love you!!
Amy Schultz
June 10, 2008
Dear Aunt Joanie, Steve, Sue, Scott, Nancy and families,
When I think of Uncle Jim, I think of BIG! He was a big man with a big laugh, a big heart, and big ideas! I think of the big lights on your Christmas tree and the big collection of items in his big storage areas. We appreciate the love he showed in so many ways. Our hearts are with you, Amy, Bill, Ryan, Renae and Jeanine
Joyce and Jim Staff
June 5, 2008
Joan and Family -
When we think about Jim, we immediately remember those Hunter Thanksgivings with the highly competitive Pie Contests. Jim, with his tall body, would be "bent" over the table, looking at all the pies very carefully! And then the politicking would begin - "Did you see this delicious looking blueberry pie down here"? He always "promoted" your pies, Joan, (and you ARE an excellent pie baker). And, of course, he voted for yours as his number one favorite.
We remember some wonderful - fun times together - especiallly when we travelled far and near to celebrate Casmir Pulaski Day.
Thinking and praying for all of you during this very difficult time.
Much love, Joyce and Jim
Jon Soderstrom
May 27, 2008
Scott,
Our sympathy goes out to you and your family in this sorrowful time. Fortunately, your Dad's suffering is at an end and he is peaceful now. I am sorry we couldn't be there on Thursday to help say goodbye as we were out of town.
Sincerely, Jon & Cindy Soderstrom
Joan Butkus
May 26, 2008
To Jim:
The Love of my Life;husband,father and papa. I miss you. My heart aches even though I know you are free from suffering now. I never realized how much you were a part of me until you were gone. My wonderful friend and teacher is no longer here to guide me. Our children and grandchildren will give me strength and I will seek comfort from them and God's love. I know it won't be easy for any of us.
Susan was with me when you took your last breath.What a comfort it was to have her there with me. It will also be comforting to know we will all have our own special guardian angel watching over us.
We will be together again some day. Until then, please watch over me.
Love,
Joan
Susan Butkus-Himes
May 23, 2008
Dear Dad,
We said goodbye to you yesterday and celebrated your life. It was a day full of sadness but many happy memories as well. You were truly a warrior in your fight against cancer and you fought a good fight but now you must rest and be with God.
I just wanted you to know that you were a good dad and taught me many important things about life. I will miss your wit and humour, your amazing intelligence and sense of fairness. Thanks for teaching me the importance of self-reliance, education but most of all family. Thanks for all the great memories: family vacations, antiquing together, halloween parties & crazy costumes, discussing politics and just life in general.
I know I'll think about you often and look forward to the day we will see each other again. God bless you.
Love you,
Susan
Ed and Terry Suchma
May 22, 2008
Dear Joan and Family,
We are former neighbors of Jim and Joan in Pittsburgh and spent many good times together. We proudly called our good neighbors from Arlington Hts, IL our very good friends. Interesting how life is. The Butkuses became Pittsburgers while their former neighbors, the Suchmas, became Chicagoans.
We are saddened to know of Jim’s death. We know it was a valiant effort in his desire to live. We also know that his steadfast partner, Joan, was his constant support, comfort and love throughout the past several years as well as their 53 years of marriage.
Joan, we are sorry for your loss and that we will not be able to attend the service on Thursday as Ed and I are still out of state. We know that your heart is broken. Please know that our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family at this time. We know how important your family is to both you and Jim. It is a comfort knowing that your caring family will wrap their love around you today, tomorrow and in the future, Joan.
Jim will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.
Dan Kreusch
May 21, 2008
The world has lost a strong, dedicated and intelligent man. He will continue to be a source of inspiration for me for the rest of my days. I will sincerely miss his conversation and sense of humor. My prayers are with the entire Butkus Family, especially you, Joan and my brother Scott.
Jay, Kathy, and kids Pinney
May 21, 2008
We pray for you during this time of loss and cherish the memories we have of Jim. We are sorry we cannot be with you as you grieve this loss and share happy memories together. May God bless and sustain you.
Leslie Pinney
May 21, 2008
I will miss Uncle Jim and my heart goes out to Aunt Joan and my dear cousins: Steve, Sue, Scott and Nancy.
I have many fond memories from childhood that include Uncle Jim: Keith's Key of the North, Eddie and the Beav, Easter Egg Hunts, Thanksgiving Pie Judging (and influencing), Memorial Day picnics, and 4th of July fireworks. We spent many holidays together and enjoyed one another so much.
Uncle Jim was a man of principal. He was a great provider, and under his strong veneer was a tender-hearted man with great love in his heart.
He will be greatly missed!
Joanne Hayden
May 21, 2008
My name is Joanne and I cared for Mr. Butkus one time with Home Instead. I helped you transfer him to the Dr. I know I only helped out once, but you two were so nice, you have stayed in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss Joan. It was so nice to meet the both of you. Please take care.
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