House Resolution 16

A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY AND SERVICE OF MR. JAMES HAROLD "JIM" BUTLER, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. James Harold "Jim" Butler to eternal rest on Friday, August 25, 2023, as he made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and many friends; and

WHEREAS, the City of Madison and the entirety of Madison County, Mississippi, lost a revered community pillar, agricultural expert, political strategist and lobbyist, contractor, military veteran and Boy Scouts extraordinaire with the passing of Mr. Butler, born September 5, 1948, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, "Jim," as he was most affectionately referred to by his family and closest friends, attended Madison-Ridgeland High School, where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning, which served as the principal foundation for his collegiate matriculation at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, instilled with an unwavering allegiance to patriotism, Mr. Butler heeded the call to preserve and defend Lady Liberty and uphold this nation's democracy by becoming a valiant member of the United States Marine Corps, and upon the completion of his honorable assignment with the "Devil Dogs," continued in devoted service to the American banner of freedom as a member of the United States Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, as consummate professional, Jim's career began as a representative with the Mississippi Farm Bureau which, through his relationship building acumen, allowed him to seamlessly transition into a lobby role for the Mississippi Power Association, and ultimately as one of the "best homebuilders" throughout the Greater Jackson Metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, Jim's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of the former Mary Hawkins, and after a proper courtship he requested her hand in marriage, gifting her his last name in an exchange of nuptials, a union that was blessed with the addition of two sons and three grandchildren, as well as the change in title to the "First Gentleman of Madison" after the election of his beautiful wife to the honorable office of Mayor of the City of Madison in 1981; and

WHEREAS, relying on the tenets of faith instilled in him by his parents, Mr. Butler remained cognizant of the words recorded in I John 3:2, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is," and dedicated his life to Christ, uniting in fellowship with First Baptist Church Madison; and

WHEREAS, an individual of good rapport, whose reputation as a Good Samaritan, willing to help anyone in need, especially his neighbors and seniors, Mr. Butler was equally civic minded in his endeavors, serving as a Madison County Election Commissioner for numerous years; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed life's river to now stand upon the celestial shores in wonderment of Heaven's grandeur in glorious reunion with the kindred spirits of loved ones who transitioned before him, the memories of Mr. Butler will continue to flourish in the hearts and minds of his survivors: his loving wife, the honorable Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler; sons, James Bradley Butler and Joseph "Joe" Richard Butler (Gretchen); grandchildren, Isabel, Knox and Layla Butler; siblings, Pat Truesdale and Eddie Butler (Jill); and a host of relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the Butler family to find solace from these words recorded in II Corinthians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the monumental life of genuine individuals of Mr. Butler's caliber, whose life personified the heart of Christ, which struck a melodious chord with all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss, commemorate the life, service and legacy of Mr. James Harold "Jim" Butler, and express deepest sympathy upon his passing to his family and friends.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. James Harold "Jim" Butler and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.