James (Jim) David Butkus was born on January 31, 1937, and passed away in Centralia, Washington on Oct. 4, 2023, at the age of 86 years old surrounded by his loving wife Anna and loved ones. Jim was born to Juanita and Constant Butkus in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from Centralia High School in 1955 and spent over 40 years in the retail business. Jim worked a majority of his career with Yard Birds, where he had the opportunity to travel to Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China. Jim married Anna Mae Beers in 1956 and had four sons. Jim married Anna Beck in 2003 and gained two stepdaughters and a stepson upon that union. He has nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Jim’s hobbies included sporting events, fishing, gardening, and playing a lot of golf. He achieved success in his golfing endeavors, having won the Lewis County Open in 1974 and the Riverside Club championship in 1975.
Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Bill and Lee.
Jim is survived by his wife Anna; sons David, Steve, Jimmy and Brian; stepchildren Tammi, Gina and Joseph; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister Barbara Castle and brother George Butkus.
Family and friends are invited to share stories and memories of Jim at a celebration of life on Friday, Oct. 27, at 1:30 p.m. at the Centralia Church of the Nazarene.
