James Leon "Jim" Butler, 83, of Washington, died Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Washington County Hospital in Washington following a decline in health.

Celebration of life services will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Rev. Herb Yoder officiating. Visitation will be held following the service from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Private family services will take place at the Cambrian Cemetery near Cotter. Memorials have been established to Hospice of Washington County and the Halcyon House Good Samaritan Fund. Online condolences may be sent for Jim's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Jim was born October 11, 1927 in Livermore, Iowa the son of Luther W. and Maude (Humble) Butler. He graduated from Livermore High School. Jim completed his Bachelor and Master degrees in Political Science at the University of Iowa. He served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1947. Jim was a teacher at Louisa-Muscatine High School for twenty four years. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Washington where he was a Deacon. Jim was a past member of the Lions Club. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, received the Warren Coleman Award and was awarded the Lion of the Year Award. Jim also received the teacher of the year award

Jim is survived by his children, David Butler of Davenport, Iowa; Stephen and wife Jaysri Butler of St. Joseph, Missouri; Margaret and husband Mike Gaillard of Pueblo West, Colorado; Barbara and husband Steve Liebe of Washington, Iowa; grandchildren, Stephanie Liebe of Daejon, South Korea; Alicia Liebe of Iowa City, Iowa; James Butler of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Elizabeth Butler of St. Joseph, Missouri; one brother, Ralph Butler of Harriett, Missouri; and one sister, Linda Bahr of Livermore, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret (Peggy); brother, Charles Butler; and his sisters, Mary Colwell; and Eva Lou Ferstl.