John “Jay” Butcher

John "Jay" Butcher
John “Jay” Butcher

John Charles Butcher, 83 of Amarillo, Texas went to be with the LORD on April 17, 2023.

Services will be at 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

John was born to John and Jessie Butcher on June 25, 1939, in Independence Kansas. He graduated from Price College Catholic High School in Amarillo Texas in 1957.  When he was a young boy, his family gave him the nickname “Jay Boy.” That name stuck with him and growing up and most of his adult life he went by Jay.

It was during his high school years he met the love of his life, Anita Gay Coker. Friends and family debate about who chased who, but Jay and Anita always said they “got each other at the Hi-D-Ho.” They were married January 3, 1959 and remained soul mates until Anita’s passing last year.

John worked with father-in-law, AC Coker at Coker’s Garage on 6th Street. Then he went into business next door owning and managing Amarillo Auto Supply. After selling the business he went to work for Southwestern Portland Cement Company in Bushland Texas. He rose through the ranks and became Sales Manager for the West Texas, NM, and Oklahoma regions. A job he excelled at for over thirty years until retirement.

His job afforded the couple the opportunity for many great travel opportunities. Many of these were golf trips from coast to coast. One of their favorite vacation spots was Santa Fe, NM. They loved the Pueblo Style architecture which inspired the design of their dream home they built together on Tascosa Golf Course. The vision they had for their home, kept new projects going on a consistent basis.

He was fiercely devoted to family and was an ever-present force in the lives of all he loved.  He was always there for family in time of need. He was a coach, a teacher, an encourager and a mentor to his children and grandchildren. He modeled caring and compassion for those less fortunate. He was a devoted father and many fond family memories were made around gathering to watch The Dallas Cowboys through the years.

He was an avid car enthusiast and always had a project going restoring classic a car. He enjoyed hunting, skiing, and golf became a favorite pastime. Anita took up golf and they enjoyed playing together often.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Anita, and his four sisters, Helen Steed, Jean Shellman, Joan Adamson, and Victoria Speltz.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cassie Jo Bowen of Amarillo TX, and Jayna Katherine Martin of Longmont, CO. and his son John Charles Butcher Jr. of Amarillo TX. And also by his five grandchildren Ryan Martin of Honoka’a HI, Ashley Martin of Longmont CO, Eric Bowen and wife Laura of Amarillo TX, Andrew Bowen and wife Samantha of Bostic NC, and Tre Butcher of Conway SC.  And many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Multiple Myeloma Research foundation: https://give.themmrf.org/John-Butcher

6 Replies to “John “Jay” Butcher”

  1. So many fond memories of my Uncle Jay. He was a true craftsman as he would tackle any project whether it be preparing the log beams for constructing their Sante Fe style home to restoring the 1971 Challenger Convertible.

    He was definitely the love of my Aunt Anita as they were best friends.

    I picture in my mind that he and Tom Landry are having some great conversations about those Cowboys.

  2. Please accept my personal condolences.

    I also want you to know that the Alumni Group for Price Memorial College/High School; St. Mary’s Academy and Alamo Catholic High School have been notified of Jay’s passing.

    Prayers of peace and comfort for your family.

  3. I remember him having a smile when I hung out with Jayna, except when he would come in at 3am to tell us we were too loud and it was time to go to sleep!! Praying for all of you during this time of lose.

  4. John,
    Your Dad sounded like a terrific man and father.

    Praying for you and your son ‘s comfort with God’s love, and the knowledge you will be reunited in Heaven.

  5. I’m so sorry 😞 praying for strength, faith & comfort. He’s rejoicing with his bride & with our Lord 🙏❤️‍🩹🙏

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *