Dr. James A. Butts

Dr. James Allen Butts Sr., (Jim) of Gainesville passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the age of 87. Until the end, he led a long, healthy life enriched with a loving family, many friends, numerous achievements, and much success. He had an intense passion for the field of medicine and remained a lifelong learner. He loved his farm, and when younger, loved afternoon horseback rides with friends. He was blessed with a wife who enjoyed traveling, and they explored the world together. Anyone who knew him was keenly aware that he had a sharp mind, and he worked hard to keep it that way. He was known to write poetry, give presentations or lectures at local universities, and teach Sunday School lessons. He also loved his family, and they knew perfectly well he was a man who valued hard work and achievement. He had high standards for himself and others. An avid sportsman, he was a fierce competitor on the tennis court as well as on the golf course. 

He was educated at Emory University and received the Ty Cobb scholarship to Emory’s School of Medicine. He had the honor of caring for Mr. Cobb as a patient during his education. He made a point to pay forward the generosity and chance at education that Mr. Cobb provided. He moved to Gainesville in 1966 after his post graduate training at Grady Memorial Hospital, a two-year service in the Public Health Service on Staten Island, and a fellowship in Hematology at Emory. He joined a practice established by Drs. Jennings, Stribling, and Poole. As partners were added, the name eventually became Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic. This is where he practiced until his retirement. After retirement he then served as Medical Director to the Good News Clinics for 13 years. He was especially proud of two awards given to him by the community. In 2016 he received The Sam Poole Volunteer Award, and in 2021 he was recognized by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce with a Lifetime Achievement Award for service at the NE GA Diagnostic Clinic and the Good News Clinics. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Louise Butt of Blairsville, GA, but is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Wynelle Lowery Butts, and his three children, Dr. James Allen Butts Jr, Lawrence (Larry) Eugene Butts, and Katherine (Kathy) Louise Butts. He was blessed with two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law as well as five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life will be held after the New Year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Good News Clinics. 

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.