SCHROON LAKE, N.Y. -— James “Jim” H. Butler, a bank auditor who helped write the breed standards for the Alaskan Klee Kai, died at Glens Falls Hospital on Saturday, June 12, 2021, due to pneumonia after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 82 years old.

Following his graduation from Watervliet High School, he attended Siena College as a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, then went on to the University of Iowa, Dubuque Seminary, and graduated from Dubuque University with a bachelor of arts degree in education. Mr. Butler worked at Albany Savings Bank and Bankers Trust as an auditor, retiring from Citizens Bank as audit manager.

“Jim enjoyed working on his computer, traveling, fishing, camping, and dog shows,” his family wrote in a tribute. “Jim was a long-time breeder of both Siberian Huskies and the rare breed Alaskan Klee Kais. He helped write the breed standards for the AKK. As a member of the board of directors of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America, he introduced the AKK on the East Coast, including Florida.  He also worked to form the AKK breed club on the East Coast also known as United Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America.

“Later in life, Jim and his wife retired to their log cabin on Schroon Lake. There they attended Mountain Bible Chapel and spent many enjoyable hours on their boat. Additionally, Jim loved spending time with his friends while volunteering at the Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Center. Jim was once voted Senior Citizen of the year.”

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James “Jim” H. Butler is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn (née Crounse) Butler of Schroon Lake; by his daughter, Kristi MacKrell and her husband, Peter, of Colorado as well as his grandchildren, Olivia Olson and her husband, Luke, of Kingston, New York, and Spc. Liam MacKrell of Colorado; by a brother, David Butler, and his wife, Diane, of Rhode Island;by  a sister, Judi LaMountain of Albany; and by many other loving nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends.

His son, Kevin Butler, who had lived in Albany, died before him, as did his daughter, Kimberli Butler, who had lived in Niskayuna, and his parents, James and Maizie Butler, who had lived in Watervliet.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, June 21, at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave, Delmar from noon to 2 p.m. followed immediately by a funeral service and burial at the Onesquethaw Cemetery in Clarksville.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schroon Lake Fire and Rescue Squad, 28 Industrial Dr, Schroon Lake, NY 12870; the Schroon Lake Senior Citizens Center, 1108 Main St, Schroon Lake, NY 12870; or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.