Former 33 year Employee of Kubota, Payroll Supervisor
February 9 1939 - October 26 2022
With his family by his side, Jim passed peacefully to eternal life at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital on Wednesday October 26 2022 at the age of 83.
Jim was the beloved son of Richard and Mary (Lee) Butler, and a brother to Mike,all predeceased.
He was blessed to have a strong, loving, and faith-filled marriage to his bride of 57 years, Mary (McIsaac) Butler. He was greatly loved by his three daughters, Catherine McSorley (Brad), Norma Smith (Ben), and Karen Butler. After three girls, Jim was pleased to gain his two son-in-laws, often joking that Brad kept his motor running, and that Ben kept him in tune.
He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Jacob (Ali), Bruce, Zachary (predeceased), Shannon, Sarah, Katie (Marc), and Eli. Fondly remembered by Brittney Bishop.
Adding further joy to his life were three more girls, his great-granddaughters, Abigail and Georgia Smith, and Grace McSorley.
Jim was loved by his in-laws, Bernadette and Pat Clarke, Ken, Basil, and Clair McIsaac, and Terry Buchanan, all predeceased.
He is dearly remembered by sisters-in-law, Anne Buchanan and Mary McIsaac. Jim will be fondly remembered by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his beloved community of St. Columbkille’s Church, Uptergrove.
Jim was proud of his Irish heritage, with his father having immigrated to Canada from Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland, at the tender age of 14. Jim visited Ireland twice, received by a multitude of welcoming relatives.
Jim’s daughter Catherine, obtained his Irish Citizenship in 2018. This brought great joy and pride to him, prior to his declining health.
God blessed Jim with the family ear for music, passed down from his mother and dear uncles, Dan, Hughie, Alec, Joe and Jack Lee. He played guitar, piano, and banjo, with his most favourite instrument being his beloved fiddle (inherited from his Uncle Alec), playing his tunes for many parties and country dances. Jim loved to share his time, talent, and treasure through this great gift of music.
Jim was imbued with a great sense of humor, often entrusted with the title “Master of Ceremonies”. He had the ability to tell a joke with a seasoned comedic style, impeccable timing, and a deadpan delivery. Despite his dementia, he could still let the occasional zinger fly.
More importantly though, was his gift of faith, maturing with age. In their golden years, Jim and Mary devoutly prayed the daily rosary and especially loved to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. He accepted the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, followed by immobility, and being wheelchair bound, without complaint.
He willingly offered his suffering to God, trusting in God’s plan of salvation for him.
Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Dan Kapeluto, and to the Spencer House staff for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Monday, October 31st from 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM. Then to St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church, Uptergrove, for Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday November 1, 2022 at 11 AM. Parish Prayers will be held in the parlour Monday evening at 6:30 pm. Interment: St. Columbkille’s Cemetery, Uptergrove. In lieu of flowers,
Mass offerings or donations to St. Columbkille’s Repair and Renewal Fund are gratefully appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com
The family invites you to the church to pray the rosary for Jim at 10:25 AM, prior to the start of the funeral Mass at 11 AM.