James A. Butler Jr.

James A. Butler, Jr., age 90 of Trumbull, beloved husband of Kathryn L. O’Connor Butler, RN, died peacefully after a long battle with his family present on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in his home. In addition to his beloved wife of fifty-three years, survivors include his daughter Attorney Regina M. Butler, his son Attorney James E. Butler, and his grandson Lucas P. Cafaro. He was predeceased by his brother and a sister Robert M. Butler and Anne White Butler.  James was born in Jersey City, NJ, on August 11, 1927, son of the late James A. and Anne White Butler. A graduate of St. Peter's University, he served in the United States Navy at the end of World War II. He was a member of the Trumbull American Legion Post 141 and V.F.W. Post 10059. During his business career he worked for Dun and Bradstreet and in 1964 became the youngest corporate officer for Chase Bag Company, a plastics manufacturer as Secretary/Treasurer. This position moved him to Connecticut where he settled in Trumbull in 1968. James ran for political office in 1973 as the Democratic candidate for First Selectman and defeated the six term incumbent at the time. He served as First Selectman for four terms from 1973 to 1981. Among his proudest accomplishments was the establishment of Trumbull EMS. Mr. Butler secured all of the funding for the facility through donations, and also drove the ambulance as a volunteer. James was also responsible for the Trumbull Library, the new Police Station, Tashua Knolls Golf Course, Trumbull Day, the Youth Commission and the Arts Commission. After leaving office, Mr. Butler became the Democratic Town Chairman, and Chairman of the Police Commission. He served on the boards of St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital, St. Raphael’s and Yale New Haven Hospital, and was also a member of Connecticut Ride Works for more than ten years. In 1986 he became Executive Director of the South Central Council of Governments in New Haven and retired in 1999. His family was his greatest treasure and his life was forever changed for the better in November of 2000 when his grandson Lucas was born. Lucas gave his Papa a renewed purpose and they spent many an afternoon together. He also loved the Town of Trumbull and was very proud of the time spent in public service. He would spend his evenings watching countless political programs and his family will miss hearing him argue with the television when someone made an argument that he knew had no basis. The family would ask that those who choose to remember him to do so by hoisting a Diet Coke and eating a Duchess hot dog in his honor. Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:00 a.m. from the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull and at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow with Full Military Honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. His family wishes to thank the Staff of Constellation Hospice especially Janet, Kelly and Herlene for their kindness, and very special thank you to Amy Whelan RN for her constant guidance and support. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in his memory to Mother Dolores Hart Abbey of Regina Laudis, 273 Flanders Road, Bethlehem, CT 06751. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com