Michael R. Butler

A very special person, MICHAEL ROBERT BUTLER, departed this life suddenly on December 31, 2014. He was the eldest of 12 children born to the union of James Joseph, Jr. and Mary Ernell Butler. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Xavier and James Joseph, III. Born in Hollywood, Maryland on November 9, 1948, "Mike", as he was affectionately known, began his education in the St. Mary's County School System at Banneker School, in Loveville, Maryland. In 1966, he was a member of the first integrated, graduating class of Chopticon High School. Mike matriculated at Morgan State University and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1970. Focused on advancing his education at Morgan, he earned his Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Policy Analysis in 1973. His education continued at the University of Baltimore's School of Law, and in 1979, his Jurist Doctor Degree was conferred upon him. While at Morgan State, Michael participated in the R.O.T.C. program and after its successful completion he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, U.S. Army infantry in May of 1970. Tours of duty included the regular Army and National Guard. He held the rank of Captain, U.S. Army Infantry Reserve at the time of his departure from active service. Mike's employment history is quite extensive and includes: The Baltimore Urban League as Recruiting Counselor and Associate Director of Health, Welfare and Housing; the C&P Telephone Company as Personnel Manager of EEOC & Affirmative Action; co-owner and manager of his fast-food establishment-Just Burgers, which was located in the nationally renowned Harborplace, where you would get not just any burger, but his mom's own recipe; University of Maryland at Baltimore & University of Maryland Medical Systems' Affirmative Action Coordinator; and faculty member at Catonsville Community College, Coppin State College and Strayer Business College. The Baltimore City Community College was his place of employment at the time of his death. Dr. Butler had been a faculty member at this institution since 1989. His final position at the college was Assistant Professor of Law. Dr. Butler was an educator who loved to teach and was dedicated to motivating his students towards excellence. Michael loved "city life", and was a homeowner in the Auchentoroly Terrace Community for more than 40 years. He was affectionately given the title of "the Mayor of Auchentoroly Terrace", and his community was very important to him, as he was a great advocate of community involvement and development. Michael was an active member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His hobbies include fishing and traveling to the Caribbean Islands. He also enjoyed cooking. Donning himself with a chef's hat and apron, he proudly presented tasty gourmet meals. he was the quintessential jazz enthusiast and could be found at many of Baltimore's jazz "spots". Mike's love for music began at an early age, and as a young man, he was a proficient trumpet player. He was always impeccably dressed and was rarely without one of his signature coordinating scarves draped around his neck, which earned him the nickname, "Scarf". Mike enjoyed long leisurely walks through Druid Hill Park where he would meditate on the goodness of GOD and pray for others. Most importantly in his life was his love of family. His very large circle of relatives could be found at many yearly holiday gatherings, and we would often lodge wagers as to the time he would make his grand entrance. Instead of scolding him for his lateness, he would always be met with warm greetings, hugs and kisses! He is survived by his siblings: Shirley, Jerry (Romaine), Deborah (Jay), Josephine, Ethel, James (Deborah), Cynthia, William, and Stephanie (Stephen); aunts, Veronica Jacob (Earl), Angela Green (Art); uncle, Steven Nolan (Shirley); nephews and nieces, Gregory (Carla), Ernest (Lisa), Christina (Brock), Melissa and Antoine; (8) great nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and close friends.

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Michael R. Butler

November 9, 1948 - December 31, 2014