James Albert Butterfield , 53, of Herndon, VA, passed away on December 18, 2019 at home while with his family.  James contracted cancer earlier in 2019 and valiantly fought it until the end.

Born on September 20, 1966 in Belleville, IL he was the son of Robert V. and the late Loris (nee Steward) Butterfield, who preceded him in death in 2013.  He is survived by his father, daughter Sarah Butterfield, partner Sara Hayes, former spouse Shelli Arora, brother Robert G. (Susan) Butterfield, uncles Jack Butterfield and David (Loie) Butterfield, niece and nephews Sally, Paul and Max Butterfield, and many cousins and extended family and friends.

James was a software engineer with Cogent Communications in Washington, DC.  He moved to Virginia in 2016 and previous to that had been a long-time resident in Maryland Heights, MO where he had lived with his daughter Sarah and wife Shelly prior to their divorce.  James also previously worked as a software engineer for Financial Network, Inc. in Overland, MO, Cass Information Systems in Bridgeton, Level One Technologies in Maryland Heights, Cassens Transport Company in Edwardsville, IL, MasterCard International in O'Fallon, MO, and Talisen Technologies in Creve Coeur, MO.  James received his Bachelors degrees in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Business Administration from SIU-Edwardsville.  James graduated from Collinsville High School with the Class of 1984 and has kept in touch of many of his fellow alumni throughout the years and has returned to attend many of the class reunions in Collinsville.

James was a lover of his savior Jesus Christ and read the Holy Bible regularly and took notes on 3 by 5 cards to learn Bible quotes.  He was a member of Grace Church in Maryland Heights, MO.  James also loved the outdoors and would try to get there as often as possible whether it would be walks during lunchtime with fellow co-workers, walking as part of his commute, or hiking alone or with family or friends.  When he attended CHS he was on the cross country and track teams and has run in numerous races since then from 5k's to half marathons.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL. Burial of his cremated remains will follow at a later date at St. Johns Cemetery.