Jeremy Wade Butler

Jeremy Wade Butler, born May 14, 1974, in Ithaca, New York, went home to the angels after finishing his long, fearless battle with cancer on February 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He leaves behind his loving wife, Kristen, two sons, Tucker and Mason, and cherished fur babies, Ziggy, Jaxon, and Kitty.

Born to Wayne and Jackie Butler, Jeremy grew up in Lansing, New York. Like most of Lansing’s youth, he started his athletic career playing little league baseball. He was a “feared” pitcher for the LBP Red team. In grade school, Jeremy was on the wrestling and football teams. He would go on to be an all-star football player for Lansing High School. As Jeremy would tell you, his true love for sports came from coaching the youth of Lansing, especially his boys. He was so proud of both Tucker’s and Mason's athletic successes. Jeremy was a devoted fan of the Cornell Wrestling program and became friends with many former wrestlers during their time at Cornell. Jeremy also loved spending Sundays rooting for the San Francisco 49ers. 

After high school, Jeremy found his calling at Cornell University in Network Operations. He excelled in his trade, studying and learning on the job; “Putting in work,” as he would say. His hard work paid off and he was promoted to Supervisor. After a 15-year career at Cornell, Jeremy ventured out and helped launch Linkin Systems and proudly held the position of President until he had to focus on his health.

Jeremy was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, but most of all, he loved teaching his boys how to enjoy the outdoors as much as he did. Whether he was in the woods, or on the water, Tucker and Mason were always by his side and he was always prouder of their achievements than any of his own. He loved spending quality time on Cayuga Lake with the love of his life, Kristen, on their dream boats ‘Package Deal’ and ‘Bad Influence.’ 

A self-taught musician, Jeremy could learn any instrument by ear. The guitar was his go-to and he was a natural. He loved playing for family and friends. If you were lucky enough to spend an evening around the campfire or on his porch, you knew you were in for a night of singing, laughing, and watching his face light up as he entertained the crowd. Jeremy loved to entertain his friends and family, whether it was a game of cards or a backyard BBQ. He loved everyone around him, especially his family and the friends he called family. Jeremy had a huge heart and always made anyone he met feel special. He’d prefer a hug over a handshake any day. Jeremy was a kid at heart and kids and adults alike were drawn to his kind, outgoing nature. A natural coach and father-figure, Jeremy loved all kids and would be there for them anytime they needed him. A larger-than-life soul who left an impact on so many people, he will be forever in our hearts and minds. Rest easy, Champ.

Predeceased by his beloved mother, Jackie Butler, and stepmother, Nanette Butler, Jeremy is survived by his wife, Kristen Butler (Rhoads) of Myrtle Beach; sons, Tucker Butler and Mason Butler, both of Myrtle Beach; father, Wayne Butler of Myrtle Beach; brothers, Cahill Butler (Jennifer) of Glens Falls, NY and Thomas Sill (Vicki) of Lansing, NY; father-in-law, Darrell Rhoads Sr. (Lori) of Lansing, NY; mother-in-law, Valerie McMillen (Scott) of Lansing, NY; brother-in-law, Darrell Rhoads Jr. (KC) of Lansing, NY; sisters-in-law, Holly Trexler of Albany, NY; Deanna Nolan (Phil), and Allanna McMillen Pape (Alex) both of Lansing, NY, nieces Emma Butler, Allison Butler, and Rylee Butler of Glens Falls, NY; Bristol Rhoads, River Rhoads, Korbin Pape, Karsen Pape, Marissa Nolan, Madyson Nolan, Darren (Mallorie) Sill, Corey (Nikki) Sill, and Nate Sill all of Lansing, NY, and countless aunts and uncles and cousins from all over.

Services will be held at LakeWatch Inn, 1636 E. Shore Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Lansing High School Athletics, 300 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY 14882. Please send to the attention of Katie Crandall.