James Melvin Butler, Sr. also known as "Dad", "Jam", Lefty" and "Pop-Pop", of Great Mills, MD, at the age of 66 quietly slipped into eternal rest on Saturday, January 7, 2006 at Saint Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Born on June 7, 1939 in Beachville, Maryland, he was the son of the late Albert E. and Nellie Ann Butler. He attended St. Peter's Claver Elementary and Cardinal Gibbons High School located in St. Inigoes, Maryland.

James Melvin worked as a waterman and laborer most of his employment career. Later in years he became a devoted employee for Young's Janitorial Services until he became too ill to work.

He enjoyed family gatherings, playing cards, shooting pool and telling jokes. He had a passion for cooking bar-b-que ribs. James Melvin would cook those ribs every weekend for years and people would come from miles around for those famous ribs. He loved hand dancing and swinging the ladies around on the dance floor. His biggest joy came from helping other people.

James Melvin leaves to cherish his memories on daughter Kathy A. Butler of Great Mills, MD, and one son James Melvin Butler, Jr. of Lexington Park, MD. He is survived by six sisters; Mary V. Carroll of Ridge, MD, Mary A. Birdine of Ridge, MD, Agnes A. Crafton of Dameron, MD, Charlene Ferrell of Lithonia, GA, Doris V. Miller of Lexington Park, MD, Vernell E. Price of Lexington Park, MD, and one brother Albert E. Butler, Jr. of Beachville, MD. He also leaves two brother-in-laws Hayes Ferrell of Lithonia, GA and Lester Price of Lexington Park, MD and one sister-in-law Brenda Butler of Beachville, MD. Pop-Pop leaves three grandchildren Duron O. Bryan of Marietta, GA, Katona T. Bryan of Bowie, MD and Joseph W. Smith of Lexington Park, MD. James leaves three godchildren Malissa Spaudling, Leslie Carroll and Allen Barber. James Melvin also leaves a host of family and friends to cherish his memories.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 14, 2006 from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. in St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 16922 St. Peter Claver Road, St. Inigoes, MD 20684. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Damian Shadwell as the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Butler, William Butler, William Barnes, James Allen, Joseph Price and James D. Butler.