Political Quotes

“Today, I rise to remember James Butler III of East Lansing, Michigan. Lovingly known as the Godfather of Lansing, Mr. Butler lived a life of service that began when he was born into a Navy family in 1943. His achievements speak for themselves. He was called to serve in the Army, finishing top of his class as a noncommissioned officer at Fort Benning. He served in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts and four Bronze Stars for heroism in combat. However, if you really want to know who James Butler was, listen to the words he promised while serving: ``If I make it back, I will give back.'' Well, he made it back, and he spent the next 30 years working at IBM, moving to Michigan and breaking barriers as the first Black man to hold an executive-level position at the company. Even in retirement, Mr. Butler answered the call to serve, working under former Governor Granholm as the director of the Michigan Broadband Development Authority. In short, Mr. Butler lived a life of giving back. For his work, he was recognized by too many organizations to list at this time. But for those who knew him best, Rishan, his wife of 52 years, his three kids and seven grandkids, he was a good and kind man, and he will be dearly missed by all. ____________________”