James Zoomer (Jim) Butler

James Zoomer (Jim) Butler was born on May 17, 1929, in Olden, Texas to Carl and Jeannie Butler and was called home on December 23, 2025, at the age of 96. He was blessed to have Christian parents who tolerated and nurtured his sense of independence and stubbornness, and he took full advantage of their generosity. He considered himself fortunate to be born and raised in a small Texas town, with freedom that can only be found in the United States.

Jim accepted Christ as his Personal Savior in at the age of eleven and maintained his
commitment to the Lord until his death. His confidence was always bolstered by his faith during the highs and lows of his life.

Jim graduated from Olden High School in 1946, and from Texas Technological College, May 1951 with a Business Administration Degree. In March 1951, with the Korean War raging, he joined the Naval Reserve and entered the Naval OCS program in Newport Rhode Island. Commissioned Ensign in May 1952, he proudly served three years of active duty as a Line Officer in the Amphibious Forces.

Jim made two overseas cruises to the Korean series of operations. He was released from active duty in May 1955 and served in the active and inactive Naval Reserve until October 1965, at which time he resigned his Commission.

Upon his release from active duty, Jim entered the University of Texas at Austin, where he completed his MBA in June 1956. He was employed by the U.S. Air Force as a Management Analysist, and then by Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG) as an auditor, with promotion to the Management Controls Department Jim passed the test to become a CPA in July 1962. After four years with Peat Marwick, he worked for several companies in the construction and real estate industry.

Jim formed an accounting practice as a sole practitioner in December 1980. He loved his clients and felt they were part of his extended family. He always maintained that the clients didn't need him, but he needed them for their friendship and to keep his mind alert. Jim finally closed his accounting practice in 2019 and retired at the age of 90.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings, Carl Jr., Charlene Snodgrass, Don, and William. He is survived by his son, Stephen (Jann) and his daughters Deborah Jobe and Karen Weir (Bill). He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Merriman Cemetery in Eastland County, Texas on

January 2, 2026, at 11:30am. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home Eastland.