Lawrence “Butch” James, age 79, of Ute, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at his residence of Ute, Iowa.
A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa. Military Rites will be conducted by the Aaby Post No. 0442 of the American Legion and VFW Post 5605 of Ute, Iowa.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Homes of Ute and Mapleton, Iowa, are in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Lawrence Ray “Butch” James, the son of Lawrence A. and Olive “Joy” (Simpson) James, was born on May 10, 1945, in Keokuk, Iowa. He was raised in Sioux City, Iowa and received his education at Central High School.
In May 1962, Butch began his career at the Sioux City Journal as a fly boy, hustling lead plates. He started his apprenticeship in 1963 and became a journeyman in 1966, two years ahead of schedule. In 1969 Butch was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1972. When Butch returned from his stint in the Army, he was promoted to assistant foreman and in 1977 was appointed to pressman foreman. Butch retired in 2010 after nearly 50 years of employment with the Sioux City Journal.
On November 8, 1969, Butch was united in marriage to Susan Jane Thompson in Sioux City. The couple was blessed with three children: Larry, Shane, and Amy. The family lived in Sioux City for five years before moving to a farm in Ute, Iowa, making it their forever home. Besides working at the SCJ, Butch also managed a 54 head dairy cow operation with his father-in-law.
Butch loved woodworking, being outside on the farm, and tinkering on the engine of his lawnmower. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory include his children Larry (Jacque) James of Neola, IA, Shane (Christine) James of Ute, IA and Amy (Garrett) Trucke of Soldier, IA; 11 grandchildren: Jacob (Dallas) James, Mandi Shire (Noel), Minnie (Derek) Khol, Angelica (Shania) Cerda-Wilkinson, Josie James (Jared), Derek James, Wyatt (Tonya) Trucke, Austin (Ellen) Trucke, Shelby James (Camryn), Sidney Trucke (Lane), and Levi Trucke; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Charles “Chuck” (Karen) James of Sioux City, IA; sister Kandi (Clay) Cantely of Denver, CO; sister-in-law Mary Lou James of Akron, IA; extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence A. and Olive “Joy” James; wife Susan James; great-granddaughter Claire Jane Comstock; siblings Forey James, Danny James, and Patty Husman.
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Celebration Of Life
26
Nov
210 South 5th Street
Mapleton, IA 51034
Come and Go Visitation Style
