Jason Patrick Butler

Jason Patrick Butler, 55, of Longview, TX, passed away in a one-vehicle motorcycle accident on April 28, 2023. Jason was born on September 19, 1967, to Annette Logan Wheldon and John Patrick Butler in Milton, Florida. Jason spent his early years on the move, eventually settling in Denton, Texas in 1979. In Denton, Jason was an avid member of the local Boy Scouts; he was elected to the Order of the Arrow, an honor society for scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. He also served as captain of Denton High School’s varsity swim team. Upon graduating in 1985, Jason spent a semester at the University of West Florida studying Marine Biology. He soon found his passions lay elsewhere and moved back home to study at the University of North Texas in Denton. It was there that he met his wife, Shelly Cox Butler. Jason graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design in 1991 and started his career in Dallas, Texas, working for the prestigious advertising agency Latitude, an affiliate of The Richards Group. While there, Jason thrived professionally and creatively, working on accounts such as Dr. Pepper, a personal favorite. He took great pride in creating point of purchase displays and even custom-designed a Dr. Pepper can for the film Mission to Mars. Jason and Shelly married on November 7, 1992, buying their first home together in 1994. They welcomed their first daughter, Lindsey, in 1997, the same year Jason started his own advertising agency, Butler Creative Service. Some of the first accounts Jason acquired were Brinker International’s Corner Bakery Cafe, as well as Cozymel’s. He established personal relationships with individuals on these accounts that would last a lifetime. Jason and Shelly welcomed their second daughter, Morgan, in 1999. Shortly after Morgan’s first birthday, the family moved to Longview, Texas. In 2001, Jason Butler joined creative forces with Holly Forbes to form Forbes & Butler Visual Communications, Inc. Over the next 22 years, Jason and Holly’s expertise as designers helped the firm expand the scope of the services they offered. They created a free-thinking, compassionate, and creative work environment. Jason thought the world of his coworkers and considered them part of his family. They handled a vast array of clients, from large corporate franchise campaigns to start-up business logos and non-profit branding. Jason was a creative powerhouse who approached every project with the same passion and excellence. During this time, he was heavily involved in a variety of organizations and nonprofits, dedicated to bettering the local community. In 2015, Jason joined the Longview Main Street Board of Directors, where he proudly served for the rest of his lifetime. Jason was ecstatic to witness the growth of Downtown Longview. Jason was an enthusiastic hobbyist. He enjoyed spending weekends camping, hiking, and kayaking. He also loved music, a passion he shared closely with his daughters. Above all, Jason found his greatest joy in screen printing, which he produced out of the family’s garage. In 2018, he founded Jason Butler Fine Art Screen Print and soon began exhibiting his art in Longview’s quarterly ArtWalks, where he was able to personally connect with others over his work. Jason always cherished bringing the memories of his clients to life. Above all else, Jason passionately loved his girls Shelly, Lindsey and Morgan, and his four-legged friends, Baxter, Bella and all of their pets throughout the years. Every year, the family made it a point to take a family vacation together, whether it was spent at Pensacola Beach, in the mountains skiing or in the desert. If he was with his girls, he was happy. Amongst his peers, Jason was known as the life of the party. His laughter was infectious and he loved bringing others laughter and joy. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family, along with the entire Longview community. Jason was a shining pillar of his community, exemplifying what it means to be a leader, advocate, and friend. Jason is survived by parents Annette and Rick Wheldon and John Patrick Butler; wife Shelly Cox Butler; daughters Lindsey and Morgan Butler; parents-in-law John and Jan McKinnon and Jerry Cox; aunts Vicki Logan-Corkren and Toni Logan Webb; cousins Claire Corken Kostopoulos, Pete Kostopoulos, and their children, Owen and Anna; cousins Natasha Acker, Shawn Acker and their sons, Logan and Connor; uncle Jimmie Butler; sisters-in-law Robin Lindsey Hightower, Paige Lindsey, and their respective children: Madilynne Lindsey-Halling and husband Spencer Halling, Adam Hightower, Norah Lindsey, and Margot Lindsey; Aunt Nancy Lindsey; Aunt Betty Martin and Tom Jackson; Uncle Bob Adams and wife Pat Adams; and numerous cousins and beloved friends. There will be a Come and Go Celebration of Life this coming Saturday, May 6th from 2-5pm at their home, 1503 Noble Drive. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions toward a mural to be created featuring one of Jason’s screen prints. The mural will be located within the 100 Acres of Heritage and the Cultural District since Jason was currently serving on the Main Street board, dedicated to downtown, and the Arts!Longview district. Arts!Longview donation information: https://artslongview.square.site/ Venmo @artslongview PO Box 3652, Longview, TX 75606

Jason Patrick Butler

September 19, 1967 - April 28, 2023