Fairbury – Butch P.C. James III, 74, of Fairbury, passed away at 10:52am on Monday, June 20, 2011 in Pontiac.

Visitation will be on from 4-7:30 pm on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury with Masonic Services at 7:30 pm.

Funeral will be at 10:30 am on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury. Pastor Tom Krieger will be officiating.

Cremation will be accorded following the services and private burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Butch was born December 29, 1936 in Fairbury the son of Percy C. and Alma Lewis James, Jr.

He married Rita Darlene Schook on March 4, 1978 in Fairbury. She died May 27, 2004.

Surviving are his daughter, Patsy (Tim) Fogarty of Pontiac; granddaughters, Tera James Boyce of Mokena, and Tammy (Jody) James Nichols of Fairbury; grandson, Aaron (Terri) Cushing; great-grandsons, Tyler Cushing, Justice James and Zane Moore; three sisters, Ella Holforty, of Fairbury, Ollie Davis of Ocala, FL, and Phoebe Crimmins of Augusta, GA; and very special friend whom he shared his home with, Peggy Wockner.

He was preceded in death by two sons, one daughter, and one sister.

Butch attended Fairbury schools, later Chatsworth Catholic school, Williams Military Academy, The Onarga Military School, Fairbury High School and then graduated from Monoming High School in Michigan.

He owned Watseka Radiator Shop, was an engine oiler on the Great Lakes for many years and then retired from Interlake in Pontiac.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury where he was on the church council, Tarbolton Masonic Lodge #351, Shriners Lodge Red Fez, Pontiac, Mackey Chapter #130 & Coevrdeleon Commander, and Mahommed Shriners & Masonic Lodge #294, Pontiac.

Butch was known for his dedicated lawn service that he provided for his church and people in the community. He was also an avid motorcyclist.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Masonic Lodge, Shriners Hospital or Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury.