Ishpeming – James D. Butler, age 70, of 1110 Highland Circle #2, Ishpeming passed away on Sunday April 1, 2012 at 11:47pm while under the care of his family and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.


James was born February 5, 1942 in Detroit the son of the late George and Virginia (Olien) Butler. He moved to Ishpeming with his family during early childhood and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. James had worked at the Miracle Center IGA as an assistant manager for a few years prior to his employment at CCI. While working for Cliffs, James worked as a mill linerman at the Empire Mine retiring in 2003, after 29 years with the company. James was a true outdoorsman, and enjoyed time spent in the woods, hunting birds or on the water in his canoe or fishing.


Survivors include his wife Lonny Butler of Ishpeming, two daughters – Heidi (Russell) Dionne of Pfafftown, NC, Tanya Gustafson of Ishpeming, 2 step-daughters – Patricia Benstrom of Ishpeming and Heidi (Joseph) Hemstock of Marinette, WI a step-son Kenneth (Debra) Eckloff of Ishpeming, 3 brothers – Raymond (Ilene) Butler of Ishpeming, Peter (Irene) Butler of Deltona, FL and George Butler of FL, a sister Julie (Ronald) Zak of Minneapolis, MN, half-brother Kurt Hendrickson of Minneapolis, MN, half-sister Lori (John) Ruesing of Ishpeming, 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Richard & David Butler.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 10-11am on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 11:00am on Thursday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Pastor John Robenault to officiate.