James William Butt

September 25, 1943 - February 27, 2014

James William Butt, age 70, Brownstown, passed away at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. James was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brownstown and held several church offices. He graduated from Purdue University and became a pharmacist in 1967. He returned to Brownstown to work in the family business with his dad, Red Butt; sister, Sally Banks; and brother-in-law, Jerry Banks, at Twin Town Drug and Brownstown Pharmacy. In 1991, Jim, Sally and Jerry moved into the then new Family Drug, which continues to be the family business still run by his son, Scott. Jim worked as a pharmacist for 42 years. He lived to serve his family, friends and community. He truly valued the long-established relationships he developed with his customers and co-workers. Born in Seymour on September 25, 1943, he was the son of Willis R. "Red" and Ruth E. (Marsh) Butt. He married Darlene Schafstall on August 11, 1963. She survives. Other survivors include his children, Steven (Dana Keirn) Butt, Portage, Mich., and Scott (Patricia Hackman) Butt, Brownstown; grandchildren, Katherine Butt, Samuel Butt, Kaylie Butt and Tessa Butt; nieces, Brandi (Jason) Jackson, Damian and Emily, Brownstown; sister, Betty Jane Butt (Jack) Gillespie; and brother-in-law, Jerry Banks. Jim was inducted into the Brownstown Central Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions to the athletic programs. He was also an original member of the BCHS Football "Chain Gang" beginning in 1967 and retiring in 2009. He received the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. He received the Brownstown Ewing Culture Heritage Award. He served on the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy for two terms. He was a member of the Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department. Jim enjoyed taking summer vacations with his family and watching his sons and grandchildren play sports. He also enjoyed his farms, tractors, jeep and his golf cart. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sally Ann Banks. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown, with Pastor Jeff Patterson officiating. Burial will take place at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Brownstown. A celebration of life will be conducted at W.R. Ewing, 1105 W. Spring St., Brownstown, following interment at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown. Arrangements were handled by Spurgeon Funeral Home Inc., Brownstown. .