James Robert Butt

February 10, 1953 - October 12, 2017

James Robert Butt, 64, of Riverview, FL passed away Thursday October 12, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday October 24th at 7pm with a gathering of friends and family beginning at 6:30pm. Services will be held at Simmons Loop Baptist Church located at 6610 Simmons Loop Riverview, Fl. 33578 Jimbo, as he was lovingly know as, was born February 10th, 1953 in Decatur, IL to Robert Dale Butt and Martha June (Baugher) Butt. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sisters Judy, June, and Connie, and brother Bobby. He is survived by his sweet and loving sister, Jane who cared for him throughout his illness, big brothers Glen (Linda) of Arthur, IL and Jerry (Debra) of Murfreesboro, TN, little brother Doug of Springfield, IL, many nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews Jimbo attended Sullivan High School and worked for many years at Trailmobile in Charleston, IL until the factory closed. Jimbo then decided to leave his family and many friends in Illinois to follow his heart (stomach?) and move to the sunny state of Florida. He was then employed by Summerfield Golf Course as a groundskeeper where he made many, many friends. Jimbo was an avid fan of all forms of motorsports. In the early 90s, he raced a 1971 Nova at Coles County Dragway in Charleston, IL that he built himself. Jimbo loved all animals and babies and they loved him. Jimbo wasn’t all sunshine and roses, however. He marched to the beat of his own drum and would often threaten to “throw you in the pond”, “put your head in the toilet”, or “box your ears”. He was the epitome of being yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Jimbo was Jimbo. He was ours and he was loved. Memorial donations in Jimbo's honor are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Lifepath Hospice, 12470 Telecom Drive Tampa, FL 33637 or at www.chaptershealth.org.