James F. Butcher

On April 2nd 2024, our dear father, James Francis Butcher lost his battle with cancer. First diagnosed in August 2023, James (Jim) had surgery in October. However, in December the cancer had begun to spread at a rapid pace. In January, Jim decided to stop further aggressive treatment and go on hospice care.

Jim was born February 27th, 1936 in Mt. Vernon Illinois to James Nathaniel and Amelia Laura Butcher. His father, mother and much-loved sister Mary-Rose had preceded him in death. Jim graduated from Murphysboro Township High School 1954 in Murphysboro, IL.

Immediately after high school Jim joined the navy and served for 4 years aboard the USS Weiss and USS Noble. During this time, Jim attended the Navy’s HVAC School. Jim was honorably discharged in July 1958. While stationed in San Diego, he met and fell in love with Anne Meredith Tetley. They married in November 1958 and settled in a Lennox home near LAX. Jim and Anne had 2 children, James Edward in 1959 and Julia Anne in 1961.

Jim worked at Anne’s family hardware store in Inglewood until securing a job as an HVAC engineer at UCLA Medical. In 1963 Jim and Anne bought a home in Inglewood when in 1964 were surprised with a 3rd child, David Andrew.  While at UCLA, Jim took up the advice from co-workers to relocate and live in the Ventura County suburbs. In 1971 Jim and Anne packed up the kids and bought a home in Newbury Park. Jim and Anne lived at this home until her death in 2015 and Jim continued to live there until his passing. After moving to Newbury Park, Jim took night classes to earn an AA in Business Administration. He started his long career in property management as a Chief Engineer to Commercial Property Manager working for companies such as Cushman & Wakefield. Over his career Jim managed many properties. DTLA Arco Plaza, Subway Terminal building, 1888 Century Park East. The Sherman Oaks Galleria. Santa Monica Business Park. Hughes Research Lab in Malibu. Hughes World Headquarters in Westchester. 222 Airport Towers in El Segundo and ended his career at 701 North Brand in Glendale retiring in 2002. Jim gave back to the community teaching HVAC night classes for Conejo Valley Adult Education and was a long term member of the Conejo Valley Genealogical Society.

Jim is survived by 3 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandson with a second great grandchild due to be born this June.

Jim will be cremated and set to rest forever next to his beloved wife Anne at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo California.

“Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”

John Wayne

“Sometimes you have to be selfish to be selfless.”

 Edward Albert
 

 ...Family in the care of Alison Balding, Funeral Arranger