James Albert Butler, age 68, died at home in Jacksonville, NC on Thursday, September 3, 2015.

He was born August 26, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota. James Albert Butler joined the Marine Corps in 1964. He served 3 tours in Vietnam as well as many overseas and state wide duties. With a total of 30 distinguished years in the United States Marine Corps serving in every leadership position up to Sergeant Major of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. James Butler retired in Jacksonville, NC. He continued to be involved with the military as Vice President of Operations for the Marine Federal Credit Union. He was President of the Jacksonville Rotary Breakfast Club. James led a busy life even after retirement traveling on cruises and vacationing with his beloved family always striving to make sure that his family stayed close and happy. He traveled to Alaska several times, Bahamas, and recently Scotland and Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Peggy Lou Butler of 40 years of marriage. James Albert Butler is survived by his loving mother Mary Ann Butler; brothers: Wayne Matthew Butler, Richard M. Butler, Merril L. Butler, Chuck P. Butler; sisters: Carol Delsing, Jerry Tuttle, Hope Butler; daughter: Brandy Nichols; sons: George E. Butler and James R. Butler; daughter-in-law: Lisa Butler; grandchildren: Kendra Jared, Katie, Alice; and companion Gunner.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th at Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville, NC with a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11th at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, Jacksonville, NC. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation or the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society at Camp Lejeune in his name.

Condolences may be made at www.johnsonfuneralhomes.com orjdnews.com.

Arrangements by Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville.