James Everett Butler

James Everett Butler, 83, of Little Rock, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Little Rock.  He was born in Mobley, Arkansas, on January 5, 1943, to Everett Woodrow Butler and Theodosia Effie James Butler. 

He and Lois Ann Bechdoldt were married on March 19, 1964, in Huff, Arkansas, and enjoyed over sixty-two years of marriage. 

James was member of the East Union Baptist Church, in East End, Arkansas, a Mason (2014), and served our country in the Army National Guard.

He was a very talented and gifted man who loved telling jokes. He attended Batesville Schools where he played on the Pioneer Football team as a defensive tackle.  He earned the name “Stonewall Butler” and assisted the team to an undefeated year in 1960. He also played the guitar and sang in the church choir as well as serving as a song leader. He and Lois were able to take a cruise in 2015 where he participated in the cruise ship “American Idol”.  He won 2nd place in the overall talent category. 

His working years would take him from his beginning as a milkman, then to bread man, later to chip man, and finally retiring as a cake man with Dolly Madison. 

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Lois, of the home; his sons, James Eric (Heather) Butler, of Locust Grove, and Michael Shane (Genean Marie) Butler, of Benton; his daughter, Angela Christina (James Edward) Zimmerman, of Little Rock; his sister, Darlene (Jimmy) Lindsey, of Jonesboro; his grandchildren, Chad, Hannah, Houston, Dylan, Hunter, Brittany, Brooke, and Melody; eight great grandchildren; several nieces; nephews; and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Glenda Salter. 

Pallbearers include Dylan Gann, Hunter Gann, Chad Bechdoldt, Jim Edd Bechdoldt, Kenny Salter and Bill Darnold

Honorary Pallbearers include Houston Butler and Hunter Carr

Funeral Service for James will be Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Doty Southside Funeral Service with Bro. Kevin Sterling officiating. 

Burial will follow the service in the Palestine Cemetery on Hutchison Mountain.

A time of visitation will be Tuesday, November 10, 2026 beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until service time at Doty Chapel.