Edwin James “Jim” Butler, former bank executive, dies at 88.
Jim Butler, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather died suddenly on May 30, at Wilkes-General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Mildred Ann Penyak in 2000.
Jim was the son of Emma Elizabeth Smith Butler and John Thomas Butler. He grew up in the Hyde Park section of West Scranton with his older brother, John Butler and sisters, Nancy Butler Dartt and Lucy Butler Wilson, all now deceased. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School.
He served with the United States Army in WWII in the Pacific. During that time, he was stationed in the Philippine Islands and entered Japan soon after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Recalled to service during the Korean conflict, he was stationed with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany.
After the wars and having settled with his young family in the Petersburg section of Scranton, he began his career in banking at East Scranton Bank, rising quickly through the ranks to become Assistant Cashier and Cashier. During that time, he attended the University of Scranton on the GI Bill and completed numerous continuing education courses offered by the American Institute of Banking. As an active member of the AIB, he served locally as President and later, as a national officer.
Jim retired in 1991 as Executive Vice President of Penn Security Bank now Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. He continued serving on the Board of Directors of Penseco until 2011. During his time in this position, he was a well-known and respected community figure and valued mentor.
He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Scranton where he served as a Vestryman and Eucharistic Minister.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 0513 in Old Forge.
Jim is survived by his children, The Rev. Susan J. Butler (Robert D. Mitchell) and James E. Butler (Leslie Ann Madigan Butler); his grandchildren, Paul Butler Ciancimino (Caitlin Bossard Ciancimino), Elizabeth Ciancimino Kasserman (Wyatt Kasserman) and James Butler (Cara Baraldi Butler); and his great-grandchild, Wells Kasserman.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 9am in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 232 Wyoming Ave. Scranton officiated by The Rev. Earl Trygar.
All attending are invited to proceed directly to the church.
Friends may call Monday from 4-7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.
Interment with Military Honors, St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Moscow.
For directions, to share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
In lieu of flowers the family strongly encourages memorial contributions be made to The Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or Griffin Pond Animal Shelter 967 Griffin Pond Rd. South Abington Twp 18411
Bob and Sue Grunza and family
Jim
So sorry for the loss of your dad.Our thoughts and prayers are wth your family at this sad time.
Tom,Mike and Tye Daugherty
Susan we are deeply saddened by the loss of your Dad. They only make one!! He had to be a Wonderful Man. His Daughter turned out to be Wonderful Too! Your in our Prayers and we Love You!!!!