James Lee Buttler

James Lee Buttler, 79, of Aitkin, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Jim was born on December 25, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to Merle and Florence (Scofield) Buttler. He grew up on the family farm near Swatara, attended school there, and graduated from Hill City High School with the Class of 1965.

Following high school, Jim married Joan Rian. Together they welcomed their daughter, Jan, and their son, Jeff. Jim later enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a parachute rigger during the Vietnam War.

Jim later married Betty Ann Skaj, the love of his life. During his military career, he was stationed in Wichita, Kansas, where they welcomed their son, Christopher, before later being transferred to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Marquette, Michigan, where they welcomed their daughter, Michelle.

In 1977, Jim and Betty returned to Minnesota and purchased the family farm near Kimberly. In 1983, they welcomed their youngest daughter, Amber. Jim continued serving his country in the 133rd Air National Guard while managing the wild rice fields north of McGregor. Throughout his life, he served on the Kimberly Town Board, drove bus for Aitkin Public Schools, operated the family dairy farm with Betty until 2002, worked for Aitkin County maintaining ATV trails, and remained actively involved in his beloved beef cattle operation until the day he passed away.

Jim never really retired. Farming wasn't simply what he did, it was who he was. He was an avid sports fan who rarely missed a game. Whether cheering for the Twins or the Vikings, Jim coached the referees and players from his favorite chair as though they could hear every word. This past year, however, his favorite games were those of his grandkids. He was a meticulous record keeper, faithfully recording nearly 40 years of daily temperatures and every calf born on the farm. He also enjoyed Burger Night at the Legion, classic television shows, a competitive game of checkers, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty; his former wife, Joan Buttler; his daughter, Michelle; his brother, Duane; his sister, Muriel; and his parents.

He is survived by his children, Jan Deering of Eagle River, Alaska, Jeff (Kelly) Buttler of McGregor, Christopher (Roseanna) Buttler of McGregor, Amber (Tim) Woodrow of Aitkin, and Jakob (Ireen) Gruner of Flensburg, Germany, whom he loved as a son; his grandchildren, Sydney (Ryker) Long, Henry, Hudson, and Hayla Woodrow, and Vincent and Leo Gruner, Lynae Hurd and Preston Hurd; his great-granddaughter, Revna Long; his sister, Betty Thomas of Shovel Lake; sisters-in-law, Barb Buttler of Gilbert and JoAnn Skaj of Wellston, Ohio; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Jim's quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, generous heart, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 23 from 4-6 PM with a Prayer Service at 6 PM in Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11 AM in Holy Family Catholic Church, McGregor with Visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Graveside services with Military Honors will follow in Forest Cemetery, Kimberly Township.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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