James G. Butler

James Girard "Jim" Butler (September 26, 1920 – May 26, 2005) was an American trial lawyer. He was known for winning many large verdicts for plaintiffs in civil litigation, including the first in a thalidomide case. Butler was also known as a civil rights leader and an art collector. "Known for his colorful and charismatic courtroom presence, Butler once told a jury in a pharmaceuticals case, 'If you do justice, you'll sock it to 'em.'"

Butler was born on September 26, 1920, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His father, a postman, worked on a railway mail car.

Butler received his bachelor's degree from Saint Peter's College in Jersey City. In 1943, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and served in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a fighter plane pilot. Butler received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, three Gold Stars and five citations for bravery. During World War II, Butler became ill with malaria and was treated by a Marine nurse, Master Sergeant Eugenia Louise Jefferson. They married in 1945.

Butler attended Georgetown University Law Center and graduated in 1947.

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