Mr. James Lary

Age 79

Northport Funeral & Cremation Service family extends our warmest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mr. James Lary, who passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, AL.

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of James A. “Butch” Lary Jr. on Oct. 9, 2025. Born on Dec. 20, 1946, in Memphis, Tennessee, to James and Susie Rushing Lary, he was known for his quick wit, legendary practical jokes, and the deep care he carried for his friends, family, and community — leaving a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege to know him.

Butch lived his life to the fullest, never missing a chance for adventure. In his professional life, he was known as a trusted pilot, spending 30 years flying for The University of Alabama. According to his business cards under the alias Herbie Swebitzs, Butch was an “Aviator Extraordinaire (VIP), lead singer of a blues band, Mississippi gambler,” and a specialist in more areas than we can safely print here. More than anything, Butch was a devoted father to Lang and Lance and a loving husband to Liz.

Butch is survived by his wife, Liz Lary, and her children, Emily Dykes (fiancé Kevin) and Silas Lary Marston; his sons, Lance (Ron) and Lang Lary; sister Sabrina Lary Case (Tom); niece Margaret Little (Mike); and nephew Butch Case (Brittany) and shared a steadfast love with all of them. He is also lovingly remembered by his four spirited grand-nieces — Lennon, Vivian, Carsen and Evie, who cherished every opportunity to give him the ultimate makeover. Butch was a doting son-in-law to Patricia Marston, a deeply loved brother-in-law by Liz’s four siblings and their spouses, and a cherished uncle to the 5 nieces and nephews he gained from their marriage. Butch was a devoted grand uncle to Maya and Jayla McMillian and, in typical Butch chivalry, escorted Maya to her father-daughter dance. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Lary Sr. and Susie Rushing Lary, and his brother, Larry Lary.

Butch was a remarkable man who grabbed life by the reins and gave fully and without hesitation or prejudice to his family and friends, who loved him deeply. His truly unique ability to engage with any and all, his dedication to helping others, his ability to combine kindness with a fierce devotion and desire to protect, and his loving and laughing heart will forever remain an inspiration for all who were blessed to call him family or friend!

In keeping true to the last wishes of Butch Lary, there will not be a service for him and in lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the West Alabama Food Bank in memory of Butch.

Butch’s humor, warmth, and larger-than-life stories will continue to be told for generations to come.

Compassionate, sympathetic, and professional service has been entrusted to the hands and care of the Northport Funeral & Cremation Service Professional Team.