James William "Bill" Butler

James William "Bill" Butler, age 96, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 8:45 a.m. in the Marion V.A. Community Living Center, Marion, Illinois.
He was born at home in Marion, Illinois, on February 25, 1929, to Homer M. and Eva (Clarida) Butler.
Mr. Butler was united in marriage to Dorothy Jane Barth on May 12, 1950, in the First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Marion. Together they shared nearly seventy-four years of marriage until she preceded him in death on April 11, 2024. They were blessed with a loving family and the ability to live independently and in relatively good health for the entirety of their marriage.
He proudly served his nation during World War II in the United States Marine Corps with deployments to China and Guam. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He was very appreciative of the care he received at the V.A. Medical Center in Marion in his final years.
Mr. Butler worked in the sales industry for most of his life, spending many years in a partnership selling farm automation and equipment. At the age of 65, he retired from sales, but not with any desire to actually retire. Wasting no time, he qualified for and became a real estate appraiser, starting a new career with the assistance of his wife, Dorothy. This venture became a family business of nearly thirty years, during which he worked with his son, Dick, son-in-law, Gary, and grandson, Andy. Bill continued working full-time until the age of 95, when physical limitations finally forced him into reluctant retirement. He truly enjoyed living an active life with working as his favorite hobby. He also enjoyed rehabbing and flipping homes in his younger years. Through the years, his Christmas displays, built with his son and son-in-law, were award winning and enjoyed by so many from the Marion area.
Bill was a faithful, lifelong member of First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Marion. At the time the church closed during the Covid pandemic, he was the oldest and longest-serving member of the church. He was also a former member of the Marion Lions Club. At the young age of 95, Bill took on another title – author. He was so proud to have authored a book highlighting many interesting happenings of his life.
Of all ranks, professions, or titles, Bill valued one above all others, that of "Gramps." He and Dorothy created a loving family of three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, nearly all of whom live in Southern Illinois. He cherished the times they spent together creating many wonderful memories that will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his children, Cathy Carruthers and husband, Gary, of Godfrey, Illinois, and Richard "Dick" Butler and wife, Jill, of Marion, Illinois; five grandchildren, Andrew Carruthers and wife, Heidy, Caitlin Reyes and husband, Michael, Alyse Aquino and husband, Patrick, Caleb Butler, and Connor Butler; six great-grandchildren, Sophia Carruthers, Camila Carruthers, Gabriela "Gaby" Carruthers, Ila Reyes, Ivy Reyes and Max Reyes; nieces and nephews, Beth Butler, Joan Sanders and husband, Terry, Tim Barth and wife, Roberta, Leann Wise and husband, Roy, Dennis Fairbanks, and Beth Fairbanks; and special family friends, Mitch McGee and Gail West.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; son, Jeffrey Butler; brother and sister-in-law, Robert "Bob" and Louetta Butler; brothers-in-law, Wayne Barth, and Lawrence Barth and wife, Virginia "Ginny"; sisters-in-law, Delores Fairbanks, and Erlena Dwyer and husband, Edward; and niece, Pat Clobridge and husband, Allen.
Bill's family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the kind and caring staff and care team at the V.A. Community Living Center who got to know him, cared for him, and supported the family over the past five weeks. We are forever grateful.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois.
The visitation will be held at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Becky Capps presiding.
Burial will follow next to his wife in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the Marion V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail with assistance from the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Detail.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to the "Hospice of Southern Illinois" and "The Lighthouse Shelter." Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.