James Butte

James J. Butte, 92, passed away March 4, 2012 in Las Vegas. He was born on Aug. 15, 1919 in Harrisburg, Ark to Marian M and William T. Johnson. He moved to Las Vegas in 1930 and graduated from Las Vegas high School in 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1937 and was stationed aboard the USS Detroit home ported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was present aboard Detroit at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked Dec 7, 1941. Following the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, Jim went on to participate in numerous other sea campaigns in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He continues a long and distinguished career, retiring from the U.S. Navy in 1957 as a Chief Boatswain's Mate. After moving back to Las Vegas, he went to work at the Nevada Test Site as a security inspector in 1960 and retired in 1983. He worked at the Metropolitan Police Pistol Range for 10 years and then as a volunteer from 1997-2011. An avid rifle shooter, he traveled throughout the southwest to compete in matches. He competed in nine times in the National Rifle Championships held in Camp Perry, Ohio. He is survived by two sons, James and William; one daughter, Patricia. He was preceded in death by his wife; and parents. Memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 25, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd, Boulder City, NV 89005.