James Russell Butler

James Russell Butler, 84, passed away Tuesday November 18, 2025 in Lehigh Acres, Florida after a brief illness.

He was born on November 8, 1941 in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania to the late James "Shag" Grover Butler and Lydia Bortner Butler.

James graduated from Harborcreek High School where he met his high school sweet heart and loving wife, Susan Francis Young Butler whom he married on August 18, 1962.

He served in the United States Army.

He was a certified optician and audiologist. James was formerly a district manager for Revco; an optician for Gerring Optical; and owned and operated Erickson Hearing in Erie for several years.

James was a member of the North East Rod and Gun Club, Shriners, American Legion, and V.F.W.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards, motorcycles, restoring automobiles, and sitting out by a camp fire watching the stars.

James was preceded in death by his wife Susan Francis Butler; grandson, Jeremy Butler; brothers, Richard and Jerry; and sisters, Sally Page and Peggy Fortney.

He is survived by his sons, Brian James Butler (Rita) and Daniel Robert Butler (Kathy); brother, William Butler; grandchildren, Branden Butler, Kirstie Verwys, Damien Carr, Jason Carr, Derek Carr, Maxx Smith; 13 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Sunday, January 4th, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:15 PM. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 4:30 PM. Officiating the service is Pastor Michael Grove. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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