James Edward Butcher
1957–2026
James “Jimmy” Edward Butcher, 68, of Alliance, NE, died peacefully at home on January 19, 2026.
Jimmy was born in Greeley, CO, on April 6, 1957, to James Eugene Butcher and Teresa Ellen Cody Butcher. He was adventurous from the time he could crawl, keeping his mother on her toes trying to keep track of him. Over his lifetime, he had a variety of occupations, from working on his grandparents’ ranch in his youth; babysitter; caretaker; the Burlington Northern Railroad; construction jobs; and tree trimming and removal. Tree trimming and removal was his true calling, and he had much pride and satisfaction from owning and operating Jim Butcher’s Tree Service for 25 years.
Jimmy’s life motto was, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” He lived his life to the fullest up to his final day. He made friends everywhere he went. His favorite way of spending time was on his motorcycle with a group of wonderful friends, his wife, and—yes—even his dog, Marshall, who rode with him. He traveled to many areas of the country on his motorcycle, but the beauty of Montana and the Beartooth Mountains always called his name.
Planning to be a lifelong bachelor, he was the first one of a group of three friends to marry. On November 29, 1996, he married Dawn Pebley, gaining a wife and daughter, Chelsea, at the age of 40.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dawn; and daughter, Chelsea (Jeremy) Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; sisters Rita Arnoldy and Mary Butcher, of Sterling, CO; and grandsons, Jace and Atley Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; mother-in-law Phyllis Pebley, of Alliance, NE; and constant companion, Marshall. Special cousins Jon and Kathy Schommer; Barb Mart; Sandy Snow; Richard Schommer; David Schommer; Janet Schommer; Cheryl (Cody) and Mike Garcia. Nieces and nephews Sarah and Keith Wernsman; Justin and Julie Arnoldy; Kyle and Jody Arnoldy; Cionne Butcher; and Jake Breidenbach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Teresa Butcher; grandparents J.O. Butcher, Kathryn Butcher, Edward Cody, and Mary Cody; father-in-law Marvin Pebley; and brother-in-law Tim Arnoldy.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, NE.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice or sent in care of the family to 623 Big Horn Avenue, Alliance for a future designated memorial.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.