James “Butch” Vailes, 70, of Broughton, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado. He was born November 23, 1955 in Eldorado to Ryan Lee Barker & Shirley Ann Vailes.
Butch was a handy man and “jack-of-all-trades.” He could do any job, and worked mainly in construction, doing electrical and plumbing as well. He retired as a boiler maker. Butch was an avid hunter who also liked playing pool, drinking beer, and gambling, especially playing cards and poker in his free time.
He is survived by his son: James Vailes, Jr., five daughters: Amy Sons, Jamie (Wayne) Isom, Jessica (Michael) Darnell, Jennifer Vailes, and Joni Vailes, fifteen grandchildren: Nicole (Garrett) Gibbs, James “JD” Davis, Angel Phillips, Jaci (Michael) Gulley, Amanda Vailes, Jesse James Vailes, Tori, Michael (Whitley) Darnell, Zachary Thaxton, Donald Anthony Phillips, Trinity Goolsby, Caleb Darnell, Chevelle Isom, Destiny Butler, and Regina Isom, brother: Carl Randolph, four sisters: Patricia Bennett, Pamela Patton, Teresa Kelley McGill, and Gayla Anderson Kelley. Twenty-six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ryan Lee Barker and Shirley Ann Vailes Kelley, wife Mary Elizabeth Vailes, son Donald “Rocky” Phillips, son-in-law Steven Sons, grandson Justin Vailes Darnell, brother Michael Lee Randolph and sister Sherri Kay Kelley.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for James “Butch” Vailes will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Burial of ashes will immediately follow at Gholson Cemetery in Broughton.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
