James R. Buttram
Class of 2005
James R. Buttram arrived at Butler High in 1951 and transformed a very good team into a great one. Born May 30, 1934, in Chattanooga, he had crisscrossed schools in Maryland and Tennessee before his family settled in Huntsville. By his senior year of 1952, the Rebels were undefeated in the regular season, and the fullback who powered them—also a standout in basketball and track—was one of the city’s most feared competitors.
Buttram earned two letters in each sport under coaches Fulton Hamilton, Gilbert Ayers, and Charlie Hopper, and in 1954 played in the Alabama high school all-star game. All-State, All-South, and All-America honors followed. He chose Mississippi State, drawn by strong science programs and the chance to play for young head coach Darrell Royal. In Starkville he proved indispensable, lettering three seasons and lining up wherever needed: end, center, guard, fullback, and linebacker. Royal called him his best utility man—assignment-sure, tough, and unselfish.
After graduation he earned a Ph.D. in entomology and toxicology at Auburn, stayed on the faculty six years, moved to the University of Georgia, and later joined The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, where he helped develop new chemicals with academic partners, including the pain reliever Motrin.
He served on YMCA boards, coached Pop Warner football, won the inaugural Walt Disney Bowl in 1975, and assisted at his sons’ middle school and at West Orange High in Florida. Business success followed—he eventually owned two companies in Winter Garden—yet he stayed tethered to the lessons of football: preparation, courage, and shared purpose. He often talked about retiring back to Huntsville and finding a golf game or two. Utility player, scientist, entrepreneur, mentor—Buttram showed how a strong back and a curious mind can travel together and make a life of enduring service.
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