Jim Tom Butler
Jim Tom Butler, 87 of Albany, Texas and formerly of Crane, Texas passed away Thursday June 26, 2025. A Memorial service was at 1:00 P.M, July 1, 2025, at Albany Methodist Church in Albany, Texas with Pastor Tim Trimble officiating.
Jim Tom Butler was born on September 13, 1937, in Albany, Texas, Shackelford County to Hattie E. Butler and Leroy A. (Buddy) Butler. He had one brother, Billy Irl Butler.
Jim Tom lived in or around Albany until he was five years old when the family moved to McCamey, Texas and later to Crane, Texas. The Sandhills Gulf Camp became home for the Butler family until Jim Tom was in junior high school. Following a move to the Lea Ranch, Jim Tom attended and graduated from Crane High School. Jim Tom was always active in many sports due to the encouragement from his family and friends. He had a knack for throwing the football and played quarterback for Crane High School and Hardin Simmons University. He led the Golden Cranes team to many victories and continued playing quarterback for Hardin Simmons University under Coach Sammy Baugh.
Jim Tom married Brenda Lou Owens of Crane, Texas on August 8, 1958. Jim Tom spent four years in ROTC while at Hardin Simmons and continued serving two years active service in the military at Fort Knox, Kentucky as a Company Commander. He held the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, Jim Tom and Brenda moved to Odessa, Texas where he worked for Mid-Continent Supply Company. In 1964, Jim Tom accepted a position with Shell Oil Company in Denver, Colorado. Along with his new position with Shell Oil came numerous moves bringing him to Midland, Texas. In 1982, Jim Tom and Brenda purchased land in Shackleford County near Moran. This move became a place to retire with Brenda retiring from State Farm in 1993 and Jim Tom retiring from Shell Oil in 1994. Upon the passing of Brenda in 2009, Jim Tom continued to live in Albany and continued enjoying the land at Moran. In August of 2012, Jim Tom married Margaret Chaffin and they continued enjoying life in Albany, Texas.
Jim Tom is survived by his wife Margaret Butler of Albany, Texas; a son, Gary Butler and wife D’Yon of Midland, Texas; a daughter, Jill Ingram of Moran, Texas; four granddaughters, Brandie Miller (Ryan), Brooke White, Baleigh Tycom (Nick), Brighton Butler; six great grandchildren; two stepdaughters, Kelly Chaffin, Becky Szatkowski (Dave); and two step-grandchildren, Jordan and Sean Szatkowski.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: Alzheimer’s Association, Albany Methodist Church, or to Hardin Simmons University (Jim Tom and Brenda Butler Endowed Scholarship). Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net.
