Chancery Court Judge James F. “Jimmy” Butler was honored with the Tennessee Bar Association’s Justice Frank F. Drowota III Outstanding Judicial Service Award for his outstanding and dedicated service to the courts and the legal community. The award was presented by outgoing TBA President Jonathon Steen at the recent TBA Annual Convention in Memphis.
Chancellor Butler, who serves the 26th Judicial District, was recognized for his service to the country and state as a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard for 28 years; his support for the Pro Bono Project, a program that provides legal assistance to the needy in Madison County; and his contributions to educating military personnel and their families about their legal rights and responsibilities.
Butler graduated from Lambuth University, where he later served as general counsel and member of the board of trustees. He attended the University of Tennessee College of Law and earned his law degree in 1966. Prior to being appointed to the bench, he maintained a private law practice in Jackson for 36 years.
The Drowota Award is given to a judge or judicial branch official of a federal, state or local court in Tennessee who has demonstrated extraordinary devotion and dedication to the improvement of the law, the legal system and the administration of justice as exemplified by the career of former Supreme Court Justice Frank F. Drowota III – the award’s first recipient. Thanks to a donation by Justice Drowota and a matching gift from the Frist Foundation, the award allows the recipient to direct a gift of $1,000 to the charity of his or her choice.
The 26th Judicial District serves Chester, Henderson, and Madison counties.
