James E. Butler Jr.

James (Jim) Earl Butler, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family September 3, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Rose S. Butler for 52 years and beloved father of Rhonda (Dan) Harrigan and affectionately known as “Da” to his grandsons, Kevin and Brian who will miss him terribly.

He started his journey in life September 20, 1940 in Georgetown, S.C. and was the son of James Earl Butler, Sr. and Leila May. He married Rose S. Butler in January of 1968 and moved to Jacksonville, Florida shortly after. Jim worked for Delta Airlines in Reservations for 26 years until his retirement. He was a member of Mandarin United Methodist Church. His hobbies were photography, being a handyman and all around jack of all trades. He then later became happily a part time stay at home grandpa raising and caring for his pride and joy, his beloved grandsons. He instilled in them the values and dedication to family he was known for.

His loyalty and devotion to his family is his legacy. His most singular focus was to his family. He loved his extended family and was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews. His witness as a husband, father, father in law and grandfather was also exemplary and what he will be remembered for. He was a man of integrity and fortitude. He was a generous man and many times helped those in need without an expectation of recognition. He will be missed beyond measure in this family. May he rest in peace and may the perpetual light of God shine upon him always.

Visitation will be held from 12:30pm to 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin. The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm. We will reconvene for entombment at Greenlawn Cemetery at 2:30pm.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.