James R. Butler

James R. Butler Jr. was born on December 14, 1946, to James R. Butler Sr. and Anne Vass Butler in Youngstown, Ohio. Jim's passing on August 17, 2025 has saddened the hearts of family and friends. Growing up in Mill Creek Park instilled the love of outdoors, as Jim grew into an avid hunter, fisherman, bird watcher, and outdoor sports fan. Nothing pleased him more than fly fishing or walking in the Allegheny Mts. of Pennsylvania. Jim's spirit of adventure was shared with wife of 56 years, Sandi Krepps Butler, either visiting old inns or walking the beaches of the south Jersey shore. Jim's first love was spending time with his family – son Jason Butler, daughter-in-law Jennifer Hanratty Butler, grandsons Jake Butler and Benjamin Butler, sister Patricia Germano (deceased) & family, sister Margaret Mazur & family, and sister-in-law Donna Flood & family. After earning a degree in communications from Youngstown State University, Jim had long management careers with LTV Steel, Thrivent Financial Services, and Scholastic Book Fairs. Jim's full life of activities included serving on the executive boards of Mt. Olive LC-MS in Beaver Falls, PA, and Royal Redeemer LC-MS in North Royalton, OH. Jim served 7 years in the U.S. Army Reserves of Youngstown, and since 2003 was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, sharing rewarding time with his beloved fellow members. Funeral home visiting hours and following memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, from 4-6 P.M. Dave Timm and Ken Braun will be officiating the service. Refreshments will be available in the lounge. Cemetery inurnment will be private at a later date with only wife, son, and son's family. In replacement of flowers, please send gifts to Hospice of Western Reserve.