James Butcher

Mr. James A. Butcher, 94, of Clearfield, passed away Tuesday morning, March 22, 2016 at his home.

He was born on May 11, 1921 in Morehead, Kentucky, a son of late Allen Butcher, Jr. and Allie Jane Holbrook Havens.

Mr. Butcher had been the co-owner of the Big Store Clothing with his step-father, Frank Havens.

He was a veteran having served in the United States Army Air Corps as 1st Lieutenant during World War II.  James graduated from Luke Field on October 1, 1943 as a single engine fighter pilot and he was an instructor for the remainder of the war.

Mr. Butcher was a member of the Church of God, Morehead, a member of the American Legion, a licensed commercial pilot and a former Rowan County School Board Member.

He was a 1940 graduate of Morehead High and attended Morehead State before the war.

In addition to his parents and his step-father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Gentry and his father-in-law, Sidney Clay Lewis.

Survivors include his wife of over 50 years, Janet Lewis Butcher, one son, James Stephen Butcher of Murrieta, California, sister-in-law, Cloma Bowlin of Springport, Indiana, wife’s nephew, Jerry Bowlin of Losantsville, Indiana, caregivers, Kathy Layne Charles, Jennifer Youde and Judy Fraley Layne and several other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 26, 2016 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Rev. Jeff Fannin and Rev. Jerry Bowlin officiating.

Entombment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with full military honors conducted at the graveside by Corbie Ellington American Legion Post No. 126, who will also be serving as pallbearers.

Visitation is after 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.