James O. Butts

James O. Butts, 88, of Fulton passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Ky. James was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 1, 1934, to the late Talmadge D. Butts and Emma Browne Butts. At an early age, the family moved to this area, and he attended school at Chestnut Glade and then Fulton City Schools.
James was a faithful member of Smith Street Church of Christ, serving as deacon, elder and Bible class teacher. His love for God was evident as he opened his Bible classes with the reciting of the 23rd Psalm. He loved mission work and went on over 25 missionary campaigns. James served on the board of trustees at Freed-Hardeman University for 50 years.
He faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the service, he met and married Patsy Jean Killibrew on May 20, 1956. James promised Patsy they would travel, and he kept that promise. They have been to every state in the Union and numerous foreign countries. He instilled his wanderlust in his two daughters, Kathy and Jamie, as they traveled throughout their childhood and adult years.
James began work for Mr. Harvey Caldwell at Office Outfitters Inc. in January 1956. James and Patsy bought the business in 1965. When asked about himself, James would most often reply, “I’m just a paper clip salesman from Chestnut Glade.” James sold paper clips all over West Tennessee and West Kentucky for 25 years and then was appointed assistant treasurer for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and, later, assistant Secretary of State, serving both offices under the late Frances Jones Mills.
Following his service in state government, he returned to Fulton and began a career with the former Fulton Bank. He served on the board of directors and was president, retiring in 2001.
James valued faith, family and education. Always looking for opportunities to serve his community, James served on multiple boards and community organizations on both local and state levels. James served on the Board of Regents of Murray State University. James had a true passion for education, advocating tirelessly for student athletes. Football was his favorite sport, and James treasured the development of a special friendship with Houston Nutt. As Houston’s coaching career advanced, James considered himself honored to have been on the sidelines at Murray State University, the University of Arkansas and the University of Mississippi.
James Butts, affectionately known to his family as daddy and granddaddy, instilled in each member of his family how to live life with integrity. Serving and valuing everyone was a paramount lesson he passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was their true North Star.
James is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patsy Killibrew Butts; two daughters, Katherine Butts Waycaster (David) and Jamie Butts Hicks (Mike); four grandsons, Michael Waycaster (Lauren), Blake Waycaster, Adam Hicks (Samantha) and Conner Hicks; and six great-grandchildren, Ezekiel Waycaster, Olivia Waycaster, Berkley Hicks, Dawson Hicks, Sloane Hicks and Raden Woodruff. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Preceding James in death were his parents; two sisters, Virginia Austin and Vivian Wolberton; one nephew, David Austin; and one niece, Susan Wheeler.
Services were held 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at Hornbeak Funeral Chapel. Visitation was 11 a.m. until the time of the services on Monday. Burial followed at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens.
To honor the memory of James O. Butts, the family requests memorials to Smith Street Church of Christ, 411 Smith St., South Fulton, TN 38257; Murray Racer Football Alumni Association, P.O. Box 83, Murray, KY 42071 (Murray State University); or Freed-Hardeman University Athletics, 158 East Main St., Henderson, TN 38340.
Online tributes may be left at www.hornbeakfuneralchapel.com.

Published in The Messenger 9.20.22