Big bash planned for Monroeville veteran who turns 100 on Thanksgiving

The Butler family of Monroeville has a lot to celebrate when it sits down to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day.

Patriarch James Butler will turn 100 that day, marking a century that included service in the Army during World War II. After so many birthdays, the veteran with a sharp sense of humor says it's just another day — even though Nov. 23 falls on Thanksgiving this year.

“I'm an ordinary guy just getting a little bit older,” he said. “I'm waiting for the day to come to maybe see if I suddenly feel different.”

A Pittsburgh native, Butler grew up in Shadyside and joined the armed forces in 1941. Butler was a field and cavalry soldier in the 1st Armored Division until the end of the war in 1945, recalling hardships of frozen feet and weeks of hospitalization.

Upon coming home, he met his wife, Patricia, and settled in Monroeville, developing a career with U.S. Steel in its research and technology center for more than 30 years.

Butler's milestone birthday is something that his daughter, Laura, dubs a unique and special occasion, one that she plans to celebrate with her mother, son, Justin, and a slew of extended family.

Much of her father's family — many she has not met from out of state — are coming to town for the celebration.

“This is a really great event that we're able to get the whole family together for the first time,” Laura Butler said. “Not many people get to plan a celebration for their 100-year-old father, and family members are coming out of the woodwork for this.”

Her father anticipates the surprises his family has in store for him.

“I don't know what they're planning, and I'm looking forward to finding out,” he said.

Christine Manganas is a freelance writer.