Biography: Jim Buttry, born and baptized James A. Buttry, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was born July 18, 1940 and died January 7, 2013, at age 72, of lung cancer. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the only child of Altus R. and Ruth Craig Buttry, and grew to adulthood in Jonesboro. He graduated from Jonesboro High School (in 1957), the University of Arkansas School of Law (LLB) (in 1963) and from Georgetown University (LLM-Taxation) (in 1966). He was Editor-in-Chief of the Arkansas Law Review. He served three years in the United States Army, being discharged as a Captain in 1966. He practiced law in Newport, Arkansas from September 1966 to September 1967, with Fred Pickens, Wayne Boyce and Kenneth Castleberry. In 1967 he joined the Little Rock firm now known as Friday, Eldredge and Clark, LLP, where he actively practiced law as a bond lawyer until 2010. He was of counsel to the law firm at the time of his death. He was a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and worked with many cities, counties and the State providing counsel in connection with the issuance of bonds for public, industrial and nonprofit projects. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He was a member of the American, Arkansas and Pulaski County Bar Associations. He was a member of Little Rock Rotary Club 99, and was chosen one of the best lawyers in America by the Best Lawyers in America Association. He also served as president of the Young Lawyer's Section of the Arkansas Bar Association and Secretary of the Association. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Ann Hays Buttry of Little Rock, by three sons, Altus Hays Buttry and wife Lana Pham of Little Rock, Edwin Craig Buttry of Little Rock, James Averitt Buttry and partner Rob Cobern of New York City, granddaughter Holly Ann Buttry of Little Rock, and by three step grandchildren, Claudia, Victoria and Victor Phan. Jim is predeceased by a daughter Ruth Elizabeth Buttry who died in 1965. He was devoted to his family and friends and extended himself in support for them. He enjoyed various recreational activities, including sailing, fly fishing, horses, hunting, shotgun sports, reading and music. He enjoyed the practice of law and regarded it as a high calling, a calling created by humankind but inspired by God. There will be a funeral service Thursday, January 10th, at 10 a.m. in Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock officiated by Reverend Karen Akin. Private family burial will follow. Arrangements under the directions of Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72227.
Buster was sailing (racing) with James in his Windmill at Grand Maumelle Sailing Club. The wind died completely. While other sailors sat in frustration, Buster was entertained by James with a historical recital of Lord Nelson's victory on the Nile. We were with a group that had enjoyed a feast at the old Brunos. James had just completed a lobster dinner and commented "if the rest of the world could eat like this, there would be no world population problem". James was an absolute delight.