BROUGHTON — James “Butch” Vailes, 70, of Broughton, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado.

He was born Nov. 23, 1955, in Eldorado to Ryan Lee Barker and Shirley Ann Vailes.

Mr. Vailes was a handyman and “jack-of-all-trades” who worked primarily in construction, electrical and plumbing. He retired as a boilermaker. An avid hunter, he also enjoyed playing pool, gambling and playing poker.

Survivors include a son, James Vailes Jr.; five daughters, Amy Sons, Jamie (Wayne) Isom, Jessica (Michael) Darnell, Jennifer Vailes and Joni Vailes; a brother, Carl Randolph; and four sisters, Patricia Bennett, Pamela Patton, Teresa Kelley McGill and Gayla Anderson Kelley. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Elizabeth Vailes; a son, Donald “Rocky” Phillips; a son-in-law, Steven Sons; a grandson, Justin Vailes Darnell; a brother, Michael Lee Randolph; and a sister, Sherri Kay Kelley.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Burial of ashes will follow at Gholson Cemetery in Broughton.

Online condolences may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.