James Butts

It is with great sadness that the family of James "Jimmy" Franklin Butts, 74, of Grove Hill, announces his passing on January 5, 2019 in Jackson, Alabama. Jimmy will be lovingly honored and forever remembered by his wife, Jean W. Butts, and his children, Beth Lane, Craig Butts, Gina Fleming, Wyatt Wilson, and preceded by son, Scott Wilson. Jimmy will also be lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren, Nicole, Sol, Mary, Katie, Hayden, Piper, James Craig, and Dawson, and two great-grandchildren, Emma Claire and Eli. Family and friends will celebrate Jimmy through fellowship remembering his love of telling a good story packed with heartfelt memories and laughter.

A native of Talladega County, Jimmy served in the Army National Guard with 18 years of service. He achieved the rank of First Sergeant with the 31st Calvary Division. In the late 1970's, he was named as the "most outstanding enlisted man" in a five-state area. Jimmy then followed a career in the asphalt business as a respected, long-time asphalt contractor and pioneered asphalt recycling in both Alabama and Mississippi. A partner in Butts u0026 Billingsley Asphalt Company, owner of Butts Construction and the first person presented a lifetime membership of the Alabama Asphalt Association, his impact on the asphalt industry is unmatched. His experience in the contracting business, past dealings with the transportation department, and his success as an independent businessman made him the most experienced appointee to the Director of Transportation, which fulfilled a lifelong ambition. His crowning achievement was being named Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation by Governor Fob James. He eventually retired from Southwest Alabama Construction.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Lathan Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow to honor the memory of Jimmy will be held 12:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Danny Beard, Jake Billingsley, Craig Butts, Dawson Butts, James Craig Butts II, Bo Cross, Jimmy Loftin, Maurice Paul, Gray Skipper, and Bennie "Bug" Tarleton.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Butts, Tony Butts, Marc Butts, Tommy Butts, Glen Busby, David Dunlap, Mike Fleming, Ronald Gardner, Josh Godbold,Chip Harrigan, Drew Harrigan, Patrick Harrigan, Jeff Harrigan, Dale Holloway, Allen Horn, Tim James, Hal "Pee-Wee" Johnson, Jr., Judge John Jones, David Lane, Ricky Mislead, Todd Morris, Wendall Patterson, Nelson Reynolds, Ray Sheffield, David Skipper, George "Buddy" Skipper III, George Skipper IV, Richard Skipper, John Teague, Shannon Tucker, and John Whitman.

Those who so desire may make honorary donations in memory of Jimmy to Pilots for Christ, P.O. Box 707, Monroeville, AL 36461. The family of Jimmy wishes to extend their sincere thanks to friends and family for their support over the last few years. Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away. With legacy and legend, we remember the strong spirit of James "Jimmy" Franklin Butts.

Visitation

Public Viewing

Lathan Funeral Home, Grove Hill
20334 Hwy. 43
Grove Hill, AL  36451
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Lathan Funeral Home, Grove Hill
20334 Hwy. 43
Grove Hill, AL  36451
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
12:00 pm