James Paul Butler passed away on May 17, 2026, at the age of 99. It is hard to summarize Jim’s rich life, but it is more than fair to say that he was blessed.

Jim was born in 1927 in his family home, a former railroad hotel overlooking the train tracks in the small, rural town of Hampton, New Jersey. He and his beloved older brothers, Jack and Charles (Chas), grew up surrounded by family during the Great Depression. One of the most significant events in Jim's early life was the Second World War, which gave him the privilege of serving his country, the chance to see the world, and the prospect of getting an education. Jim seized these opportunities. He joined the Merchant Marine at the age of 17, where he served as a radio operator, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. The G.I. Bill enabled him to pursue his education at Manhattan College (now University). He went on to earn an MBA at New York University, then used his education to build a successful career in Labor Relations, culminating in his service as Commissioner of Labor for the State of Connecticut from 1995 to 2000. He then worked as an arbitrator well into his 80s, and volunteered at The Community Service Society in New York City helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.

In addition to his long and successful career, Jim was, at heart, an entertainer. It began at Culvermere, a summer resort where he worked before and after his time in the service, and continued until his family obligations shifted his focus. He was a gifted writer and storyteller, and his comedic timing was impeccable. Whether it was a toast in the form of a limerick at a family party, breaking out into song and dance with little to no warning, or a story punctuated with impersonations during a shared meal at the kitchen table, Jim took great delight in making others laugh.

For all of Jim’s accomplishments, he valued family above all else. Jim met Jill, the love of his life and his best audience, at Culvermere and they married in 1955. They settled in Ridgewood, New Jersey and raised 6 children in a home filled with love and laughter. He was a wonderful, loving father who was ahead of his time in terms of involvement in his children's lives. He and Jill instilled in their children the value of education, the joy of laughter, the importance of faith, and the strength of family. By the time Jim passed, he had 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him. A remarkable life for a country boy from a small town.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his children, James Jr. (Alice) of Wheaton, IL, Michael (Ginny) of Charleston, SC, Katherine Reilly (Ed) of West Hartford, CT, Jennifer O’Neal (Greg) of Duxbury, MA, William (Nancy) of Atlanta, GA, and John (Eileen) of Darien, CT, as well as 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by Jill, his loving wife of 63 years and his brothers, Jack and Charles (Chas). He is also survived by his companion, Joan Pisarra.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Jim at Holy Family in Duxbury, MA, at 10 am on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James P. Butler can be made to The Church of Saint Ann, Hampton, NJ at https://saintann1859.org/