Obituary of James "Jim" Butler
James Edward Butler
We are deeply sorrowed to announce the passing of James Edward Butler, late of Brandon, Manitoba. James was born at the family farm near Fortier, Manitoba on June 2, 1928. James passed peacefully on August 18, 2024 at the Assiniboine Center at the Brandon Regional Health Center. James was pre-deceased two years ago by his wife of 65 years, Elaine. He was also pre-deceased by his daughter Shelley Butler, his parents William and Emily Butler, as well as siblings Frederick Butler, Donald (Lydia) Butler, Peggy (Earl) Nicholls, Joseph “Buster” (Roma) Butler, Rita (Charles) Organ, Gordon (Audrey) Butler, and Rose (Archie) Nicholls. He was also predeceased by nieces Donna Toews (nee Nicholls) and Evelyn Callander (nee Organ), and nephews Ray Nicholls, Greg Butler and Brian Butler. Left behind to treasure James’ legacy are his son Todd Butler, his grandson Jesse Spence (Kristen), his great-granddaughter Jewel Spence, many nieces and nephews and many friends whose lives he touched.
James was the third son of a very close-knit and loving family. He grew up on the farm, first near Fortier and later close to Oakville. James attended school in Oakville until 14 years of age, completing the 8th grade. He then started working on the family farm and for neighbours around Oakville. He also worked for a farmer north of Portage la Prairie and another farmer closer to Westbourne. One year, James drove the school bus (a wagon, or a sled in winter). In 1947, James joined the army. James achieved the rank of Corporal during his military career. While in service, James was twice posted to Germany. He also served in Canada in various locations – Chilliwack BC, Churchill MB, Wainwright AB, Gagetown NB and even at Alert NU during the height of the Cold War. After an injury while in service, James became a Royal Canadian Engineer, serving primarily in Shilo for several years. Nearing the end of his military career, James and his family settled in Brandon in 1968. After retiring from the military, James briefly worked for the now-defunct Brandon Steam Heat Corporation, and subsequently for the City of Brandon for over 20 years. James retired in 1993 at 65 years of age. Also, after retiring in 1993, James became a very active member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
In 1956, James’ sister, Rose, introduced him to a schoolteacher named Elaine, thinking the two of them might “hit it off”. Indeed, they did, getting married in April of 1957. Their daughter Shelley was born in 1958, followed by son Todd in 1963. James and Elaine were married for over 65 years until Elaine passed in 2022.
James often stated that marrying Elaine was the best thing that ever happened to him in his life. After James retired in 1993, he and Elaine shared many wonderful trips all over the world. They traveled to every continent except Africa and Antarctica. They enjoyed trips by air, by ship, by rail and by road. They celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and other special events with their extended families and many friends.
James was the consummate family man. He was rock-solid dependable, kind and caring, and very even-tempered. He loved to play with his kids and his grandson when they were young. He coached Todd’s hockey and baseball teams for many years, and took Shelley to her figure skating events, Girl Guide events, and music lessons. He took his young family on camping trips around Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and family vacations to the mountains of Alberta and BC on a few occasions.
Three of James’ favourite activities for much of his adult life were fishing, woodworking and reading. James was a voracious reader until his eyesight diminished in the final months of his life. He particularly enjoyed non-fiction books, especially those to do with World War II, the Cold War and espionage. James and Elaine went to craft sales for many years, and James was very proud of the wooden toys and furniture he created. He kept some furniture for the family home, sold many pieces, and gave away many to family and friends. He started fishing when he met Elaine, as Elaine’s father was an avid angler. Over the years, James enjoyed many fishing trips to northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan and even to Nunavut. Many trips were with Elaine and Todd, as Shelley did not enjoy the activity. His last fishing trip was a lovely day-trip to one of his favourite nearby trout lakes with his son on Fathers’ Day of 2023.
James will be very fondly remembered and greatly missed by many, many people. James was a true gentleman who made a positive impact on every person who had the good fortune and pleasure to know him.
The funeral service for James will be held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332 8th Street, Brandon, MB on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #003, 560 13th Street East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 7C1 or to the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 1K2.
