James "Jim"

"Bud" F. Butts

James "Jim" "Bud" F. Butts, 89, of O'Neill, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 at Arbor Care Center in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022 at Biglin's Mortuary with a Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

James was born to James Walter and Adaleen (Homolka) Butts on May 28, 1933 in O'Neill. He graduated from Chambers High School in 1951, where he enjoyed playing basketball. Having lost his father at a young age, he was responsible for helping his mom take care of the home while siblings left for the military and jobs in other towns.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Gartner, on Aug. 13, 1951 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. The couple was blessed with four children Rick, Gary, Cheryl and Dave. Jim worked various jobs around the state until the family settled in O'Neill in 1959.

Jim owned and operated Jim's Feed & Seed for 35 years, selling the business and semi-retiring in 1997.  Jim then worked part-time for several years at the Nonpareil potato plant and also Ag Services. Jim started his family's firework stand in the early 60s, eventually turning it over to his son Rick, who continues to run it today with his family.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and served several terms on the O'Neill City Council.

In the earlier years, Jim enjoyed many family camping trips, golfing and traveling. More recently he lived for weekly games of bingo at the Evergreen and bird watching.

Jim is survived by his four children Rick (Diana) Butts and Gary Butts, both of O'Neill, Cheryl (Kevin) Gilg of Cantonment, FL and Dave (Dawn) Butts of O'Neill; 11 grandchildren Michael Grinnell, Gina (Steven) Ainsworth, David (Jennifer) Grinnell, Jason (Jamie) Butts, Misty Butts, Chris (Sara) Butts, Jayte Butts, Melissa (Chuck) Peterson, Anna Gilg, Justina (Aaron) Weinrich and James Butts; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather Orville Kellar; wife Mary Lou in 2021; one daughter-in-law Judy Butts; and four siblings Ethel (Jack) Jones, Mardelle (Gene) Hoerle, Charles (Lou) Butts and Mary Lou (Duane) Bly.