Jean Butchart Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
He was the treasured youngest child in a family that includes his two sisters, Rose and Maureen. From an early age his love of the natural world was evident, and he harnessed this in his education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on hydrology. He was excited to put his education to use in Savannah, Georgia, where he used geographical information systems (GIS) to map water bodies and water drainage, and literally opened the floodgates to perform water management. His love of the natural world extended to a love of camping, foraging, gardening, and mushroom-hunting, earning him the affectionate nickname "Nature Boy" among his many friends.
Jean's empathy for others showed in innumerable ways, from the beautiful gifts he crafted for his family, the many spontaneous acts of generosity he performed for his friends, to the generous practical support and wisdom he shared with the trans community.
He was in the midst of combining his love of the natural world and his empathy for others, training to become a teacher. He had a special gift and love for educating middle schoolers and high schoolers, where his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor would no doubt have served him well.
He was killed in an unprovoked attack.
Visitation will be on Thursday, August 10, 2023 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at St Mary's Student Parish, 331 Thompson St, Ann Arbor starting at 10 am. Following the mass, lunch will be served in the Newman Hall at St Mary's.
Donations can be given to the Jim Toy Community Center of Ann Arbor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob & Eleanor Brundage
August 22, 2023
Dear Joe & Amy,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Val McMurtrie
August 10, 2023
Praying for all of you during this sad and tragic time. We remember your family when our daughter went to school at Huron Valley years ago. May God give all of you peace during this time and the many months ahead. God Bless.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jordan
August 10, 2023
So many students, including myself, had Mr. Butchart as a substitute teacher. He was incredibly welcoming and approached students with kindness and care. All of us are so shattered by this news. May he rest in peace :(
Eli G
August 10, 2023
I was in a community group with Jean and his smile, his presence.. He always made me feel at ease with myself, more comfortable in the room. This is a great loss to the queer community and I am sending my love, support, and warmth <3
Ruthie
August 10, 2023
I feel great sadness at this difficult time. Know that you are in my hearts prayer-pocket.
Kim Dermit
August 9, 2023
My heart goes out to your family. I can't even imagine this kind of pain with losing a loved one to such a senseless tragedy. The words above were so lovely about Jean and really showed the kind of person they were. Much love to you all.
Leah VanLandingham
August 9, 2023
I was a student with Jean in the ENVI program at Eastern. Jean and I had many courses together and spent a lot of time together in GeoClub, conferences, study hours, and other activities. I cherish all of the time I spent with Jean fondly. Jean was such an amazing person. I learned so much from Jean about life, happiness, serving others, prioritizing my needs and taking care of myself, and how fun the pursuit of knowledge can be. Jean always wanted to learn. He attended every study session, every extra curricular meeting, every adventurous event, and always had a list of thought-provoking questions after each lecture. Jean was never afraid to ask the questions we were all too afraid to ask, and we all were better off because of Jean's bravery. Jean offered me tremendous support during my years of research and journey to publish. Jean is one of the few I thanked in my thesis. He helped me organize my thoughts, contextualize some hydro aspects relating to my research, and offered emotional support as doing research can be a heavy operation. Jean was the most emotionally intelligent person I have ever met, and I learned a lot about emotional intelligence from him. He was very supportive of others, and also protective of his mental health which had a profound impact on my own mental health journey in college. Jean you will be sorely missed. This world has lost an amazing person.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Make a Donation
in Jean Butchart's name
People and places connected with Jean
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Jean's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jean Butchart's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
