James Ellis Butler, Sr. passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021 while surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Rallie King Butler and Ada Roberts Butler of McCormick, South Carolina. James was born on October 13, 1930 in McCormick, and attended McCormick High School where he played football. He was a member of the first and only undefeated state champion football team from McCormick High School. James married his high school sweetheart, Bettye Ann Langley from Plum Branch, South Carolina. They resided in McCormick where they had their first child before relocating to Culpeper, Virginia where they had two more children. After their youngest child turned 18 months old, they moved to Woodbridge, Virginia where they continued to raise their family of five. James served in the National Guard. He enjoyed a long and productive career as a butcher for local and national chains before his retirement in December 1993. James and Bettye Ann were active members of Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia, and after retirement, active members of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Plum Branch, South Carolina, the same church where they were married on September 11, 1953. James led successful building projects in both churches, and their faith in God directed all of their actions. James was a member of the Moose Lodge and attained the highest honor of Pilgrim. James tended a garden when he was young and sold produce to a local grocer in order to make money for his family. He often woke early before school to make a homemade breakfast for his parents. Whatever money he earned, he gave half to his parents, and half of his half to his sister. He opened his own grocery store in McCormick prior to marrying Bettye Ann. James was athletic, excelling in every activity in which he was involved. He was an accomplished billiards player, fast on foot, and was deft in card playing. He had a sharp mind when it came to numbers, was honest to a fault, at times paying back the local grocery store for items that were undercharged to him. His sense of humor was razor sharp, and he appreciated a hard day's work, and was very generous to those around him. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. James is survived by his three loving children and spouses, James Ellis Butler, Jr. (Terri) of Grottoes, Virginia, William Langley Butler (Stephanie) of Clayton, North Carolina, and Winnie Sue Lynott (Larry) of Woodbury, Minnesota; and his sister Betty Jean Lewis of Lincolnton, Georgia. He was also the proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren; Twyla, Cecilia, Arthur, Zachary, Matthew, Dylan, Patrick, Sara, Kienan, Graceanne, and Clay; and three great grandchildren, Oscar, Leon, and Ella Rose. James will join his beloved Bettye Ann in the Plum Branch Cemetery on November 13, 2021. The family will receive visitors from 1:30 - 2:30 on November 13 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, with services at 2:30. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home. Please share a memory or photo at www.edgefieldmercantilefh.com.