James Gregory Butler, Sr.

James “Jim” Gregory Butler, Sr., 73, of Virginia Beach, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, April 3, 2017. Jim was born on November 5, 1943, to James Cox Butler and Mary Ellen Curran Butler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Christie Eugene and his beloved daughter, Jennifer Myers.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Jim, Jr. and his wife, Cindy; daughter, Laurie Butler and her fiancé, Rusty Adams; son, Tim Butler and his wife, Kim; and his son, Jeff Butler and his wife, Jamie. Jim was fondly known and remembered as “Raphy” to his thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.
Jim was known as a top-notch salesman who began his own company, Merit Marketing, in 1976. He successfully built and managed the company until 2004, when he decided to pass the reigns over to his daughter, Laurie and son, Tim. Jim’s laugh was as big as his personality which easily filled a room. He will be remembered as a man who expressed himself with humor; often making funny facial expressions and sounds and singing a cappella to make the children laugh.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at the Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel (5792 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach) at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. Online condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyerfh.com.