James F. Butler has retired as the Chancellor of the Chancery Court for Tennessee, 26th Judicial District, which is comprised of Madison, Chester and Henderson Counties. He has been the Presiding Judge in this district.
He has been certified as a Family Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization.
He is a member or has served on the following: Tennessee Bar Association, Tennessee Judicial Conference, Madison County Bar Association, Tennessee Association House of Delegates, Tennessee Trial Judges Association (Executive Committee), Tennessee Bar Foundation (Board of Trustees, Past Chairman, Grant Review Committee).
He has been an active supporter of the Pro Bono Project, which provides legal assistance to indigent people. He was presented the Pro Bono Award in 1993 and 2000 by the West Tennessee Legal Services Corporation. He is the recipient of the William Henry Miles Outstanding Service Award (2003) and the R.E. Womack Outstanding Alumnus Award (2004).
Prior to being appointed Chancellor by Governor Phil Bredesen in 2003, he engaged in the private practice of law for 36 years, most recently as the senior partner in the firm of Spragins, Barnett, Cobb & Butler, PLC, in Jackson, Tennessee.
Chancellor Butler is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Tennessee and all lower trial and appellate courts. He is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Chancellor Butler served in the Tennessee Army National Guard for 28 years in the Judge Advocate Generals Corp, retiring in 2001, with the rank of Colonel. His last position was serving as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 30th Troop Command.
He is an honor graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at the University of Virginia. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (two times), the Army Commendation Medal (five times), the Army Achievement Medal (two times), and the Legion of Merit.
Chancellor Butler is admitted to practice before the Court of Military Review and the Court of Military Appeals in Washington, D. C.
Chancellor Butler graduated from Lambuth University, where he later served as General Counsel and member of the Board of Trustees. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
(PHOTO: From left – Jenny Trimmer, Buddy Carter, Sharon Perry-Brown, Sherry Cole, Pam Carter, Chancellor James F. Butler, Trish Copley, Bonita Anderson, Sharlette Perry, Brenda Hill and Ashlee Perry – courtesy Ricky Brown – Grace Media Group)
