Jim Butcher

James Russell Butcher, Jr., age 81, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away on January 19, 2026, at his home in Bel Air. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Rev. James Russell Butcher, Sr., and Hazel (Jones) Butcher.

Jim was the beloved husband of Jeanne D. Butcher (Dresher), with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Amy (Craig) Butcher Parker and Susan (Danny) Butcher Roarty, and a proud grandfather to Millie Parker, Holden Parker, Ginger Roarty, Gus Parker, Sarajane Roarty, Clementine Parker, and Wynne Roarty. He is also survived by his sisters, Janice Sedaka, Lois (Bruce) Butcher, and Becca Jones, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

A United States Marine Corps veteran, Jim served during the Vietnam War. His military career began as a jet mechanic and culminated in his role as a combat artist. His artwork from that time has been displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and is held in the permanent collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. He carried a deep appreciation for the service of others and was defined by integrity, duty, and a profound commitment to service.

An accomplished artist, Jim was truly one of a kind. After his military service, he worked at a major Baltimore-based studio before becoming a freelance artist. His creative work spanned board game covers, billboards, advertising, and movie posters, eventually leading him to portraiture through his business, Lifetime Portraits. Over his distinguished career, he was commissioned by national and international clients such as NBC Television, Time-Life, Inc., and General Motors, and his illustrations appeared in National Geographic, Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, and other publications. Locally, he created many of the judges’ portraits displayed in the Harford County Courthouse and numerous portraits exhibited throughout the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health campuses. He served on the faculties of The Maryland Institute College of Art and Harford Community College and received many honors recognizing his artistic excellence and dedication to the arts. Among his most cherished works were the 51 Butcher family portraits he mailed each year as Christmas cards to family and friends.

Jim was a proud member of several local civic organizations, including Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge, Bel Air United Methodist Church, and Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. He was a founding trustee of The Dresher Foundation, a role he held with great pride. He was also deeply involved in the furniture and food distribution ministries at Bel Air United Methodist Church and generously shared his time and talent with many local nonprofit organizations.

His passions included his antique car collection, tinkering in his garage and woodshop, 18-wheelers, and travel—especially long road trips. Above all, he treasured time spent with his beloved family and cherished friends.

Known as a “character” with a great sense of humor, Jim brought positivity to everything he did and everyone he met. He was defined not only by creativity, integrity, and service, but also by an oversized heart that cared deeply for others. As gifted as he was as an artist, he was even more gifted as a friend. He was the kindest of men, comfortable with everyone regardless of status or background. Those who knew him were touched by his warmth, encouragement, and generosity. He made the world brighter simply by being in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following charities in Jim Butcher’s name:

The Jim and Jeanne Butcher Family Fund for Harford County, held at the Community Foundation of Harford County, which was established to support Harford County residents in perpetuity.

Checks should be made payable to “Community Foundation of Harford County” with “Jim and Jeanne Butcher Family Fund for Harford County” written in the memo line. Please mail donations to P.O. Box 612, Bel Air, MD 21014

Gifts can also be made online at https://cfharfordcounty.networkforgood.com/. Please select “Other” from the dropdown menu and write “Jim and Jeanne Butcher Family Fund for Harford County” in the donor scroll below.

Bel Air United Methodist Church

Checks should be made payable to “BAUMC” and mailed to 21 Linwood Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014. Gifts can also be made online at https://onrealm.org/BelAirUnitedMet/-/form/give/now

Gilchrist Hospice

Checks should be made payable to “Gilchrist” and mailed to 11311 McCormick Rd., Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. Gifts can also be made online at gilchristcares.org/donate.