James Ray Butler

Mr. James Ray Butler, age 52, of Forest Park, Illinois and formerly of Dahlonega, Ga. died Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Rush Oak Park Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois following an extended illness.


Mr. Butler was a native of Lumpkin County, Ga. who had lived in Illinois for several years.

James was a talented musician and rock mason. He made a bluegrass album with a band he traveled with called "The Bluegrass Travelers" and was also a radio personality called "Farmer" on the "Man-Cow"Show on a rock radio station in Chicago. He was of the Baptist faith.


He was preceded in death by his Father: John Ford "J.F." Butler. He is survived by his Mother: Fannie Mae Martin Butler, Broadview, Il, Daughter and son in law: Cindy and Daryl Hammond, Cumming, Ga., Sons and daughter in laws: Russell and Madeleine Butler, Dahlonega, Ga., Adam and Elaina Butler, Dahlonega, Ga., Brothers: Jerry Butler, Northlake, Il, Jeff Butler, Wheaton, Il, Grandchildren: Eli McMillian and Dustin Jarrard, Nephews: Jeff Butler Jr., and John Butler. A large number of other relatives also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 A.M. Thursday May 12, 2005 at the Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega with Rev. Lyman Caldwell officiating.

Mr. Butler will be cremated following the funeral service and his cremains will be interred in the family plot at Bethlehem-Jones Chapel Cemetery in Lumpkin County at a later date.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home all day on Wednesday beginning at 12 Noon

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.



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