James Franklin Butts

Watch Jim's Tribute Video Here

A Funeral Mass for Jim “Bud” Butts, age 89, of O’Neill will be at 10:30 am Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill with burial to follow in the O’Neill Cemetery.  Rev. Bernard Starman will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Biglin’s Mortuary with a 7 pm Knights of Columbus rosary.  Jim passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Arbor Care Center in O’Neill.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

James F. Butts was born to James Walter and Adaleen (Homolka) Butts on May 28, 1933 in O’Neill, NE.  He graduated from Chambers High School in 1951, where he enjoyed playing basketball.  Having lost his father at a young age, he was responsible for helping his mom take care of the home while siblings left for the military and jobs in other towns.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Gartner, on August 13, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in O’Neill. The couple was blessed with four children: Rick, Gary, Cheryl, and Dave. Jim worked various jobs around the state until the family settled in O’Neill in 1959.

Jim owned and operated Jim’s Feed & Seed for 35 years, selling the business and semi-retiring in 1997.  Jim then worked part time for several years at the Nonpareil potato plant and also Ag Services. Jim started his family’s firework stand in the early 60’s, eventually turning it over to his son, Rick, who continues to run it today with his family.

Jim was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and served several terms on the O’Neill City Council.

In the earlier years, Jim enjoyed many family camping trips, golfing, and traveling. More recently he lived for weekly games of bingo at the Evergreen and birdwatching.

Jim is survived by his four children, Rick (Diana) Butts of O’Neill, Gary Butts of O’Neill, Cheryl (Kevin) Gilg of Cantonment, Florida, Dave (Dawn) Butts of O’Neill; 11 grandchildren, Michael Grinnell, Gina (Steven) Ainsworth, David (Jennifer) Grinnell, Jason (Jamie) Butts, Misty Butts, Chris (Sara) Butts, Jayte Butts, Melissa (Chuck) Peterson, Anna Gilg, Justina (Aaron) Weinrich, James Butts; 18 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; step father, Orville Kellar; wife, Mary Lou in 2021; daughter-in-law, Judy Butts; siblings, Ethel (Jack) Jones, Mardelle (Gene) Hoerle, Charles (Lou) Butts, and Mary Lou (Duane) Bly.