James Ray "Butch" Landers, 70, of Denton, Texas, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at Denton Senior Facility.

He was born on January 21, 1944, in Denton, Texas, to the late Dub and Nellie "Joanne" Landers.

Butch was a 1962 graduate of Denton High School.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Fort Polk, Louisiana and Fort Shafter, Panama Canal Zone.

After his serving in the Army, he worked with his father at "Lander's Garage, East McKinney Street, Denton, where he gained into what was a lifelong interest in drag racing.

His racing days began in the late 1960's, after his Army service, with his first car, being a bright yellow 1965 Ford Mustang with the name of: "Fat Man's Misery"; with his second and final car also being named: Fat Man's Misery". His last racing period ended in 2010, after 50 years. In the early days in the 1960's, the most popular racing facility was at Greenville Raceway, located in Smithfield, Texas.

Butch was also a member of a bowling league in Denton for many years.

He leaves behind his brother, David and his wife, Vickie Landers; niece Amy Van Rijn and son, Kayden Van Rijn, all of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; lifetime friends Ron Blase, Ronald Payne, the Koiner Brothers; along with numerous cousins and aunts, and his longtime 'furry' companion, 'Robin'.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jerry Nell Landers.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 19th, from 6 to 8pm, at DeBerry Funeral Directors, Denton, Texas; with graveside services to be held on Thursday, November 20th, at 1:00 p.m., at Belew Cemetery, Aubrey, Texas, with Chris Groda, of the North Jefferson Church of Christ, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denton Animal Shelter, or Wounded Warrior Project.

Special thanks are given to the Denton Senior Care and Hospice for their kindness and assistance.