James Alan Butler

James Alan Butler, 67, of St. Albans, West Virginia, known by many as “Jim” and some as “Sergeant”, died suddenly on January 6, 2025, following a severe anoxic brain injury. He took his last breath surrounded and loved by his family. James was born on January 14, 1957, in Charleston, West Virginia, the oldest of three children born to the late Richard Lee Butler and Nora Elizabeth Grass Butler. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Samuel Jordan Grass and Ruchie Lanham Grass, paternal grandparents, George Dewey Butler and Hazel Lee Gardner Butler; and his nephew, Christopher Michael Boggs of St. Albans. James is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Rebecca Alice Mariani, with whom he shared a loving relationship of more than 29 years. He is also survived by his sisters Deborah Butler-Case (Charles) of St. Albans, and Sallie Butler Levander (Carl) of New Albany, Ohio; sons Aleksandrs Karlis Ozolins (Jenny) of Charlotte, NC and Jon Anthony Ozolins (Destiny) of Myrtle Beach, SC; nephew Richard Samuel Boggs (Veronica) of Wheeling, WV, and niece Cathryn Butler Levander of New Albany, Ohio; brothers-in-law Robert David Mariani of Victor, WV, and Steven Wayne Mariani of Richmond, VA; one grandniece, Jaley Ann Braley of Nitro, and one great grandnephew, Bryson Clark of Nitro; and those who brought him the most joy, his granddaughters, Ariel Nicole Rodriguez, Upland, CA, and Zoey Marie Ozolins of Myrtle Beach, SC. He grew up in St. Albans, graduating from St. Albans High School in 1976. James recovered from a catastrophic injury suffered to his hand at age 14 to become a talented drummer at McKinley Junior High School. He went on to perform in the St. Albans High School Marching Band, Orchestra, and “Jesters” Jazz Band. He was also active in local rock bands and truly enjoyed playing gigs around the state with his friends. He continued his life of service to the community into his retirement as a part-time police officer with the Kanawha County Parks and Recreation. In 1978, James enlisted in the United States Army serving his country with pride overseas for four years operating the Army’s newest (at the time) portable defense systems. It was during this time that his interest in aircraft was sparked. Following his active duty, he served in the Reserves as a professional photographer and editor for the WV National Guard Magazine, “The Defender”. James joined the St. Albans Police Department and served his community for 20 years as a crime scene photographer and canine handler, retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 2010. His patriotism and dedication were hallmarks of his character, and he carried those values into all aspects of his life. He continued his life of service to the community into his retirement. He was a long-time supporter of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, President of the Mountaineer Radio Control Club of Tornado and an Affiliate Member of the Flying Hillbillies RC Club of Winfield. He was influential in obtaining a lease on property outside of St. Albans, now known as the Mountaineer Radio Control Club Flying Field. James could be found there frequently, either cutting grass or flying one of his many RC models. He also enjoyed the artistry of replicating actual aircraft in his models, including Air Force One, a C-130 recently retired from the WV Air National Guard fleet, and his pride, an FMSP-15 lettered as WV native Robert “Punchy” Powell’s ship, the “West By Gawd Virginian”. Because of his love of aviation, the Mountaineer RC Club went from operating solely as a flying club to becoming an educational organization which invited young people to the field for “buddy flights” and to expand their aviation knowledge. The club welcomed cadets from the West Virginia Civil Air Patrol as well as any other youth who stopped by. He also took great pride in supporting Marshall University’s Girls in Aviation events by displaying his models and encouraging young people to embark in aviation careers. James also was instrumental in the creation of the St. Albans C&O Modelers Club in 2000 and worked tirelessly to acquire and refurbish its building located at 901 Tenth Street, St. Albans. James’ love for his city is reflected in an intricate detailed layout of the City of St. Albans which can be viewed at the Club’s building. His affection for the City of St. Albans was clear, not only as a resident and Police Officer throughout his life, but through his efforts in maintaining the St. Albans C&O Railroad Depot on 4th Avenue. In addition to his interest and aeronautics and trains, James served as the President of the WV Chapter of Beat the Heat, Inc. which was founded by first responders to combat the problem of street racing and drunk driving among young drivers. WV Beat the Heat offers teens the opportunity to “challenge a cop” to a legal drag race in order to stop illegal street racing and ultimately saving lives. He purchased and modified three police cars over the years which all citizens enjoyed seeing in parades, as well as visits to schools and conferences in St. Albans and across the Nation. James also distinguished himself as a writer and photographer, being published in several media including the Academy of Model Aeronautics Magazine and the Wonderful WV Magazine to name only a couple. James Alan Butler was truly a very special person who leaves an enormous void in the hearts of his family and friends who knew him best! A Celebration of James’ life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bartlett- Nichols Funeral Home, 409 6th Ave, St Albans, WV 25177. A short graveside service will be held immediately thereafter at Teays Hill Cemetery, St. Albans, with full military honors. Friends and family are invited to visit Friday, January 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made in James’ honor to any of the following non-profit organizations: Mountaineer Radio Control Club, Attn: Secretary, 202 School Drive, Shrewsbury, WV 25015 St. Albans C&O Modelers Club, 901 Tenth Street, St. Albans, WV 25177 or paypal@sacomrr.org Civil Air Patrol may be sent to: Charleston Composite Squadron Capitol Campaign, 114 Airport Road, Charleston, WV 25311 You may visit Jim’s tribute page at BartlettNichols.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Butler family.

James Alan Butler

January 14, 1957 - January 6, 2025