Affectionately known as the "Godfather of Lansing", James Walter Butler, III was born February 11, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James Walter Butler, Jr. and Alice Knight Butler. As an only child and son of a Navy man, his family was stationed in Bethesda, Maryland on a military duty assignment while James was attending Howard University. It was then, where he met and later married the love of his life, Miss Rishan Maxwell. The two were inseparable.

A natural-born leader and believer in higher education, James graduated with honors with degrees in both Electrical Engineering and Computer Science while attending Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. Not only was he a scholar, James W. Butler, III was a decorated veteran whose journey began when called to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He went on to attend NCO Academy in Fort Benning, GA and graduated top of his class with a score of 99.70. James W. Butler, III proudly served as a Platoon Sergeant with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry. During his tour of duty in Vietnam he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Four Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters for heroism in ground combat indicating four separate awards of this prize medal. "If I make it back, I will give back." This was the promise he proclaimed that rang true until his final days.

James later entered the corporate world at a company who quickly became his second home for the next 30 years. With a running start at IBM in Washington, DC (later transferring to Michigan), he successfully held an executive position in Business Unit and Senior Location Management for Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. His daily responsibilities were deeply-rooted in successfully running a 200 million-dollar operation for one of the largest technology companies in the world.

But, he didn't stop there.

After retiring, James accepted a position to serve in the administration of Governor Jennifer Granhom as Director of Broad Band Authority. He later went on to lead as Director of Urban Revitalization Division for Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

In addition to thriving in the corporate and governmental sectors, James remained active in many community and social organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Sparrow Hospital Board of Directors, Junior Achievement (Applied Economics Instructor), Michigan Association for Deaf, Hearing and Speech Services (Board of Directors), Michigan Agent Orange Commission (Commissioner), Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors), CAP-PAC (Member, Board of Directors), Michigan State Police Oral Board (Board of Directors), Boys and Girls Club, Big  Brothers, Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority Commissioner, Cooley Law School (Board of Directors), MSU College of Arts and Letters, Lansing Center, Physician Health Plan Board of Directors and the MLK Holiday Commission (just to mention a few!)

James is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years Rishan Maxwell Butler and son Duane O. Butler of Orlando, FL, daughters Nikia Butler of Washington DC and Charrisse Butler of Atlanta, GA. His spirit will live on through his seven grandchildren, James Daniel, Kaliah, Justin, Aaysia, MacKenzie, Miles and Sabrina. He will be dearly missed by mother Alice Knight Butler, second mother Mrs. Ida Knight Aikens, Corvette family, Fraternity Brothers, Guardsmen, Gathering of Friends, The Sparrow Family, The Kositchek Family and his Friendship House of Prayer Baptist Church family, other relatives and close friends.

In lieu of floral arrangements the family is suggesting that contributions be made to the following charity in Mr. Butler's memory:

Southside Community Coalition
2101 W. Holmes
Lansing, MI 48910

In order to comply with the CDC recommendations regarding social distancing, the visitations will be held as a "walk-through" process.

The memorial service for Mr. Butler will be a private service with attendance by invitation only.

Masks are required!