James Butler Jr.

James H. Butler Jr.

12/21/1938-12/27/2017

It is with heavy sadness that we announce the loss of Retired Newark Fire Captain, loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend to many, James H. Butler, of Union, NJ, who passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 27,2017 at the NJ Firemen’s Home, Booton, NJ.  His family will receive friends and celebrate his life on Saturday, December 30, 2017, from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Galante Funeral Home, Union, NJ.  Father Andy Prachar officiating the service.  Cremation is private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center, Madison, NJ, or to a charity of your choice.

James, Jim, Jimbo, Bubba (a.k.a Mr. Wonderful) was born and raised in Newark, NJ.  He graduated from Sacred Heart Grammar School, 1952 and from Saint James High School, 1956.  He served in the military as an Army Private S2 in 1958 with an honorable discharge.  Jim also served as a member of the National Guard in 1958.  He was a proud Fireman for the City of Newark for 31 years, and retired as a Fire Captain in 1993.  During this time, he also worked for Absolute Fire Protection and helped design rescue apparatus needed for local Fire Departments.  He was a life member of the West Orange ELKS.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Valerie, his sister Barbara,  his daughter Stephanie Roselle, his son James Butler, Anthony Roselle and his wife Carla,  granddaughter Grace Olivia, and Brianna and Shaina Roselle.

Jim was proud to be a fireman, and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of his “brothers”, he loved being around his family, especially the light of his life, his granddaughter Grace Olivia.  Our Jim was a great man, who stood taller than life, with a heart to match his size.  He was loved by all, and will be missed beyond words.