James "Jimmy" Andrew Butler Jr.

James Andrew Butler Jr., better known to his friends as ”Jimmy” was born on February 27, 1934 at the Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta, GA to James Andrew Butler Sr. and Mrs. Ruby Lacey Butler. He was the only child born to his parents.

Jimmy attended Southwest High School and was a part of its first graduating class in the 1950s. From there he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and worked diligently to earn his degree in Textile Engineering. While in school, he loved going to the football games and rooting on his beloved Yellow Jackets!

Jimmy served his country in the United Stated (US) Air Force as a First Lieutenant. There he held several positions and even attended flight training. Ultimately, he decided to return to the civilian life at the end of his enlistment. From there he found his way into insurance sales and ultimately secured an engineering job as a civilian member of the US Army’s fire Prevention Engine Department at Fort McPherson and then later at Fort Gilliam. After retiring from the US Army he signed up for volunteer work as a tax preparer with AARP and H&R Block.

Jimmy met his future wife, Sue Carol Sprayberry in Daytona Beach, FL in the late 1950’s. As it turned out, they actually had grown up rather close to each other but had never met until they were spending time with their friends in FL. Their fortuitous meeting led to dating and courtship where they eventually married in March 9, 1957. In total they were together for more than 65 years and they shared many amazing vacations and experiences until her passing on April 11, 2021.

Jimmy had many hobbies and interests but the one that he was best known for was his love of woodworking. His home woodshop was second to none and he utilized his engineering skills and know how to build a number of beautiful wood pieces including various cat sculptures cherished by his wife Sue. He was always quick with a smile and generous with his family and friends.

Jimmy Butler passed away on August 3, 2023 at the age of eighty-nine (89). He is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Carol Butler. Jimmy is survived by his loving cousins, Robert H. Sprayberry Jr., Charles Butler and his wife Vickie Butler, Sarah Fuller, William Paul Sprayberry II, as well as Ms. Susan Mondello, Bryce Inman Sprayberry and his wife Debra Sprayberry. Additionally, he will be greatly missed by his many extended family members and the countless number of friends he inspired through kindness, spirit, and generosity.

A gathering and visitation for Jimmy will be held on August 13, 2023, from 2:00pm until 3:00pm at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30152. A Celebration of Life will occur right after the visitation at 3:00pm. The burial of both Jimmy;s and Sue’s ashes will occur at Pine Ridge Memorial Park (co-located with the Winkenhofer Funeral Home) just after the Celebration of Life.