James Robert Butz, age 94, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at The Orchards of Three Rivers.

He was born on February 27, 1932, in Appenzell, PA, the son of James and Elizabeth (Easton) Butz. On February 17, 1955, he married the love of his life, Doris J. VanTeglen, in Lyndhurst, NJ. Together they built a life grounded in family and service that spanned more than seven decades.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, completing two tours of duty. He fought in the Korean War. After 35 years of honorable service, he retired as a Master Sergeant. His dedication to his country continued beyond retirement as he served as an Air Force representative to the National Aerospace Standards Commission, and later worked as a purchaser for the United States Air Force at the Federal Center in Battle Creek until 1996.

A resident of Three Rivers since 1959, Bob was deeply involved in his community. He was a longtime member of Three Rivers Christian Fellowship Church and a dedicated member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Three Rivers. He also served his community faithfully as a Park Township Board Trustee beginning in 2006, holding the position for ten years.

Bob had a lifelong passion for antiques, especially Shaker, Pennsylvania Dutch-style, and Early American furniture. He enjoyed buying, selling, and trading at the Shipshewana Antique Market and was especially proud of a hutch dating back to the early 1700s. He also collected hand-carved and painted duck decoys from various artists. In later years, he found great joy restoring John Deere lawn tractors alongside his late son-in-law, Randy Jacobs.

Above all, Bob cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and recently a great-great-grandfather. He took great pride in helping raise and care for his daughter, granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren, always offering steady guidance, unconditional love, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Doris Butz of Three Rivers, MI; daughter, Sharon Jacobs of Three Rivers, MI; granddaughter, Kristen (Ryan) Jackson of Marcellus, MI; great-grandchildren, Austin Weber, Rebecca (Brandon) Gault, Lillian Schleben, Cameron Jacobs, and Keegan Weber; and his great-great-grandson, Gabriel James. He is also survived by his sister, Lois Butz of Ocala, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his firstborn, Robert " Bobby" Butz; and his son-in-law, Randy Jacobs.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private burial will take place at a later date at Long Island National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his son, Robert Butz.

Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers, MI 49093, has been entrusted with his care.