Oron James “Butch” Orr, Jr. passed away on October 26th, 2025 at the age of 85. James was born in Gary, Indiana on August 4th, 1940, to the late Oron James Orr, Sr., and Irma Ruth McCarroll Orr. He will be remembered for his love for his family, his great sense of humor, and his dedicated service as a fireman.
James was a graduate of Froebel High School in Gary, where he played football. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Serving the needs of others became a way of life for Butch, and he began working as a fireman once he returned home from the war. After many years of public service, he retired from the Gary Fire Department and relocated to Paducah, Kentucky.
Remembered as a church-going, good guy who loved everybody, James treasured his family and his horses, which he raised while maintaining a family farm in Indiana. A man of great faith, James was active at the Nehemiah Christian Church on Walter Jetton Boulevard in Paducah.
James is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Evonne Grace Orr; three daughters, Lisa Michelle Orr Williams of Paducah, Chandra Lynn Orr Hall of East St. Louis, and Joy Rebecca (Zach) Orr of Chester, Michigan; one sister, Tracy Lynn (Kenneth) Lewis of Gary, Indiana; six grandchildren, Deborah Orr, Jasmine Blake, Fred Williams IV, Janai Orr, Helena Achatz, and Archer Achatz; six great-grandchildren, Bralen Morris, Jalen Morris, LaLonnie Reed, KayLonnie Reed, JaKareon Jacobs, and Nova Mack; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Ronald David Orr, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Nehemiah Christian Church with Pastor Charles Dunbar officiating.
Expressions of Sympathy may take the form of gifts to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758589, Topeka, KS 66675-8589, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Paducah is involved in arrangements.
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
