Dr. Jeffrey Allen Butts

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Butts, 77, of 752 Cardinal Lane in Boone, passed away on February 19, 2025.

Jeff was born May 25, 1947 to Carroll and Jane Butts in Lansing, Michigan. Jeff received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Albion College. He earned a Masters and Doctorate in Biology at Bowling Green State University. He was a professor and Assistant Chairperson at UNC Charlotte from 1977-1981.  He taught for 32 years at Appalachian State University until his retirement in 2013.  During that time, he served as Chairperson of the Biology Department and as Director of the Hubbard Center for Faculty and Staff Support. Throughout his career, he worked actively with the American Association of University Professors to protect academic freedom for his fellow professors. He served as President of the ASU chapter and NC conference and also as the national organization’s Secretary-Treasurer and First Vice-President.

His greatest honor was to teach, and his students remember his classes as tough but rewarding. He always appreciated hearing from former students. Biology faculty at ASU give the Jeff Butts Award to the graduating senior each spring with the highest GPA in the Biology Bachelor of Arts degree.

Jeff had a rich bass voice and participated in Appalachian Chorale for many years along with the choirs of Boone United Methodist and First Presbyterian Church of Boone. He will be remembered by his colleagues and friends for the loaves of cinnamon bread he baked as presents for Christmas. His grandchildren will remember that there was never a game of strategy that he couldn’t win. He loved to birdwatch and read mysteries.  He was on time for everything. 

Jeff is survived by his wife of 55 years Diane Butts, his sons Jonathon and Aaron Butts, and his daughter Adrienne Stumb. He is also survived by his grandchildren Hannah and Elias Butts along with Charles and Madelyn Stumb.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Appalachian State University's Biology Department Endowment fund. Here are the ways in which you can give:

Online: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/54088/donations/new?designation_id=cas94014& to make a gift online. In the In Memory Of field, please include "Jeff Butts"

By check: To give by check, please make payable to "App State University Foundation"

In the memo line, please include "Bio Dept Endowment, IMO Jeff Butts"

Checks can be mailed to:

University Advancement

PO Box 32176

Boone, NC 28608

Attention: Jasmin McFayden

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Jeffrey Allen Butts, please visit our floral store.