James Butz

James Butz , of Schaumburg, died October 12, 2014. Mr. Butz, the second of four children born to Helen & Clarence Butz in Akron, OH, was a truly self-made man; loyal and true to God, country, family, friends and Notre Dame. Preceding him in death was his high school sweetheart, wife Helen, of Akron. The loving Mt. Prospect couple is survived by their five children; Bobbi Zabel in Chicago, Jim (Carolyn) in Elk Grove, Terry in Schaumburg, Kathleen Herman (Mike) in Streamwood and Kevin (Karen) in Woodstock, GA plus thirteen grandchildren and a great grand-daughter. Jim is survived by his close friend, Evelyn McGill of Schaumburg, his brother Jerry in Roselle, sisters Jean Ivey (Bedford, NH) and Ruth Rawson (Walnut Grove, CA). Jim always considered his family to be his greatest blessing, above and beyond other achievements.

A veteran of World War II, twice wounded, he earned the Bronze Star and survived D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded numerous medals as well as the French Legion of Honor Medal from the President of France. Returning from the war, he began his great love for the University of Notre Dame enrolling as a freshman and graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1949 with a degree in journalism. He completed his degree in 3 years while working full time for the university’s publicity department. This lead to his lengthy career in sports serving as Director of Marketing, Club Designer and President and CEO of several golf manufacturers ranging from Wilson, Golfcraft, Brunswick, McGregor, PGA Victor Golf, Browning, Tiger Shark and acting Executive Director of PGA of America. His legacy lives on in the influence he had in the lives of his children, his friends and his business associates – lives he changed for the better and the rough edges he smoothed through the example he set in his daily conduct.

Visitation Thursday, October 16, 2014, 3:00-9:00pm Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 1640 Greenmeadows Blvd. (at Barrington Rd.) Streamwood/Schaumburg. Funeral Friday, 9:15am to St. Marcelline Church. Mass 10:00am. Interment pending. Information 630-289-8054 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com

The family asks that donations be offered, in lieu of flowers, to Honor Flight Chicago www.honorflightchicago.org or St. Marcelline Catholic Church www.stmarcelline.com