James Butler

1937 - 2025

James Butler

September 19, 1937 - November 1, 2025

James N. Butler, 88, of Chippewa Falls, town of Eagle Point, died Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls surrounded by his loving family.

James was born September 19, 1937 in Covington, GA, the son of "Dock" and Norma (Poole) Butler.

On December 28, 1992, James married Alice Hilfiker in Rice Lake. He was a member of Notre Dame Church.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Hilfiker Butler. They were married for 52 years. A son, Bryan James wife, (Jade), daughter, Eden. Emily Bowe (Justin -Children Tayloann, Gabriella, and Jasper; daughter -Barrie Beth (David); sister, Jill Nada Poole.

He was preceded in death by son, Kelly; two infant sons, James Norman, and Brent Ernest; his parents; and one sister, Linda Olson.

He attended the University of Georgia and University of Maryland before entering the Air Force as an Air Cadet. While stationed At Ellsworth Air Force Base, he also received a degree in Economics from Black Hills State. He was a stellar member of the United States Air Force for 22 years. He was a Strategic Air Command B-47 Combat Crewman, taking him to Europe and Africa, Wing Flight Standardization / Evaluation Staff Officer. Air Training Command T-38 Flight Instructor, Academic Instructor Section Chief and Wing Operations Staff Officer, Seventh Air Force O-2 Forward Air Controller/Flight Examiner, Air Force Headquarters Operations Officer, Senior Command Pilot, Strategic Air Command Senior Missile Launch Commander. Senior Flight Commander and Squadron Section Commander.

His Air Force training entailed Air and Command Staff College, Academic Instruction Squadron Officer School, Thermo Nuclear War Training, Advanced Survival Training and Jungle Survival School, Special Operations Training among a few.

After pilot training Jim was assigned to be a B-47 Atomic bomber pilot during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After this he was assigned to be a pilot instructor. He started on T-28' and then moved to Supersonic T-38 Talon Fighter jet. He taught in Texas and Mississippi.

Because of his being a pilot instructor, he was sent to Vietnam where he was a Forward Air Controller, which was one of the most deadly positions in the war. He flew in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia in the secret war. He worked with Native Hmong soldiers, CIA, and Special Forces to direct the Air Force and Navy Planes to support troops and destroy enemy targets. He also helped when pilots were shot down to lead rescue efforts. He was awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses (3) Air Medals (3), Air Force Combat Crew Citation and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and a myriad of others.

Upon his retirement from the Air Force he bought and ran Tuscobia Cheese Factory with his wife (Alice Hilfiker Butler). He was active in the Rice Lake community and enjoyed all the fishing and hunting aspects of Wisconsin. He served on various committee and members of organizations. While living in Rice Lake, he was on the Mayoral Citizens Advisory Board, Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus. Upon selling the factory, he became an Investment Representative for two major financial institutions which took him to Douglas, Wyoming, and then to Auburn, Alabama. He served on various committee and members of organizations. In Douglas, Wyoming, he was on the City Planning Commission, Church Finance Committee. While in Auburn, Alabama, he was on the Finance Committee from St. Michaels' Church, Eucharist Minister, Joy Child Development Center, Chairperson, and Junior Achievement Instructor. In addition while in Alabama he was on the National Grass Roots Legislative Task Force, American Funds All American Sale Team, and financial reporter for the Opelika-Auburn News, Auburn University Continuing Education Academic Instructor and Opelika High School Economics Guest Instructor. While in Rotary International, he was on the District Governors Staff, Polio plus Area Coordinator, Youth Exchange Chairperson and a Paul Harris Fellow. Upon Moving to Chippewa Falls, his retirement also saw him being a realtor with Woods and Water.

Jim was a true sportsman enjoying the many aspects of fishing and hunting. His fishing took him from ocean fishing to rivers to the many lakes of Wisconsin. He especially enjoyed trout fishing in the Black Hills making all his own flies. Bird hunting with his German Wirehairs was a joy for him. He was a Master Dog trainer and loved to share his talent with many a child and adult. He co- founded and then president of the Chippewa Valley Family Outdoor Experience where kids and their parents would come for a day of learning how to handle a gun, use of a dog and then actually going for a pheasant hunt with one of the volunteers. Over the years, a thousand parents and children had the experience.

Jim was the epitome of a craftsmen. He built porches, patios in every home from Wyoming to Alabama. In his most recent home here in Chippewa Falls, he built a three level deck with pond, pergola where gatherings were enjoyed by family and friends. He built toy boxes for each of his grandchildren. Every room has a memory item crafted by James.

Jim loved to tell his many Humorous Tests and share his copious amount of jokes and life time stories of his adventures. His family was of primary importance and joy. He was proud of his children and was especially proud of his wife Alice for her dedication to her students and the accolades she received while teaching forty five years.

Jim loved his country and was proud of his military career and tried to invoke those same passions to others. He was a true American hero for his dedication to the Air Force and the United States.

The family would like to thank the Chippewa Falls VA nursing home for their excellent care, empathy, and high standards. From the administration, CNA's, nurse's kitchen staff, cleaning staff and social services gave Major James Butler a safe bastion.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls. Deacon Sean Hanson will be officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Rice Lake at a later date. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council after the Memorial service.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at the funeral home.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.horanfuneralhome.com