James Eugene Butler

December 29, 1921 - June 25, 2012

Jim Butler left this world on Monday morning, June 25, 2012, and entered the presence of Jesus. James E. “Jim” Butler, Sr., was 90 years young and a long-time resident of Pensacola. He was born on December 29, 1921, in Dubach, Louisiana. On September 14, 1943, he married Bennie J. Conner, the love of his life and best friend for 69 years. Jim loved his Lord, his family, his church, and his country. Jim was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving his country for 11 years and fighting in both the Korean Conflict and World War II. While in service, Jim's athletic accolades include winning the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship and catching Hall of Famer Warren Spahn on the All-Navy Baseball Team. After an honorable discharge, he established Butler Electric Company and acted as owner/operator over three decades. He was passionately devoted to his wife and extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. As a long-time youth mentor and baseball coach, he shaped the lives of countless young men. He was an active member of East Brent Baptist Church for 30 years. He was a proud participant of the first Emerald Coast Honor Flight from Pensacola in April of 2008. Jim is survived by his wife, Bennie Butler, and his children, Darlyn Butler, Penny Pittman (Josh), James E. “Skip” Butler, Jr. (Karen), Randy Butler (Stephanie), and Jodie Butler (Kristen), and his grandchildren, Tiffini Butler, Michelle Godwin, Jenny Fromsdorf, Michael Paquette, Charity Butler, James E. “Jet” Butler III, J. R. Butler, and Anwyn Butler, as well as five great grandchildren and one great great grandson, his sisters, Mary Joyce Lambert, Hazel Scurry and Sara Criswell, and his sister-in-law Bessie Rae Butler. He is predeceased by his parents, Clarence C. and Mary Lee Butler, and his brother Cavit Butler. Funeral services with be Thursday, June 28, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at East Brent Baptist Church with visitation prior to service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Dale Patterson will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Sunday School class. Interment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to East Brent Baptist Church Building Fund. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME NORTH, 1000 Hwy 29S, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com