James Butler, Jr.

His Life and Legacy

James Butler, Jr.

1950 - 2025

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the one we loved and knew stepped across the threshold that we call death, but it was only a step into another room and not a stepping out of the fellowship of life. James Butler Jr. is at peace with God now and rejoicing in his happy heavenly home. We must not mourn as those without hope, for James has gone to get the great reward promised to all who faithfully serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

James Butler Jr. was born April 16, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Blanch Howard Butler and James Butler, Sr. He was educated in the New Orleans Public School System. James accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Welton Washington at an early age. He later united with Historic Bell Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rodney Johnson Sr., where he served faithfully and participated in the church choir.

James shared 34 lovely years of marriage with Kim Turner Butler. Their union was blessed with one daughter, Airrielle Butler, who carries forward their legacy of love and resilience. From his former marriage to Cheryl Carter Butler, James Butler Jr. was blessed with two loving daughters: Raquel Butler and Rhonda Butler. He warmly embraced Aaron and Rashad Santacruze as his own. James treated all five children with unwavering affection, guidance, and care—instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, and faith.

James Butler Jr. life was a testament to commitment, compassion, and faith. His memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and his legacy continues through the family he nurtured with grace and strength.

James leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife, Kim Turner Butler, three daughters, Raquel Butler, Rhonda Butler, Airrielle Butler Thomas (Shane), and two bonus sons, Aaron (Ayesha) and Rashad Santacruze. His grandchildren are Robriane Larry Owona (Jonathan), Tamia Taylor, Kierra and Kobe Blasé, Keith Blasé Jr., Amyri Butler, Azyri, and Shane Thomas, Riley and Amir Santacruze, one bonus Astyn Richerson. His Great-grandchildren, Jolie Owona and Khaza Blasé. His brother, Calvin Butler Sr. (Tennie), two sisters, Ivory Butler Knight (Rev. Larry), and DianneButler Jackson. His mother-in-law, Mary Weber, brothers-in-law, Ricky Turner and Kevin Markey, Sisters-in-law, Brigitte Turner (James), Lisa Turner Scott (Lonny), and Leslie Markey. One goddaughter, Melinda Jackson. Close friends, John Newman and Melvin Marsalis. James leaves to cherish his members nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

James worked for many years at Don Bohn Ford Dealership and Southern University in New Orleans, where he later retired.

James is preceded in death by his mother Blanch H. Butler and James Butler Sr., his brothers, Sidney James Sr., George James, Alvin Thornton and Leroy Howard, and father-in-law, Rev. Eugene Turner.

Relatives and friends of the family, Pastors, officers and members  of the Historic Bell and Bethlehem Baptist Church, Second Zion Baptist Church #1, and all neighboring churches, St. Charles Parish Public Schools, United States Coast Guard-Heartland District, Cigna Health Insurance (Accredo Specialty Pharmacy), and Turn Service, are all invited to the Celebration of Life and Legacy Service at 11:00am on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Historic Bell Baptist Church, 300 Hackberry Street, Luling, LA 70070.  Rev. Rodney L. Johnson, Sr. Pastor.  Visitation 9:00am until the time of the service at the Historic Bell Baptist Church.  Interment Bell Baptist Cemetery, Luling, LA 70070.  Final Arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.  605 Main Street, Laplace, LA 70068.  985-359-1919.  "Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission."

The family of Bro. James Butler Jr. extends their most sincere gratitude and thanks for the many calls, acts of kindness, and prayers during the illness and passing of their loved one. We know that the Lord will provide strength for the journey ahead. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. May God’s eternal love and peace be with you and yours. A special thanks to: Ms. Mary Sandolph, Ochsner Medical Center, The Historic Bethlehem Baptist Church family and Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, LLC.