Whether on or off the field when the Eastern Connecticut Association of Approved Football Officials needed something done over the last 40 years, it looked to Jim Butler. For forty years, the ECAAFO has asked Butler to serve, and he has filled the bill. As a familiar face on the field, the coaches know what to expect when they see Butler and his crew take the field. They know they will get someone who studies the rules and mechanics and has a keen sense of the game. Indeed, Butler is an official who has mastered not only the “what” of officiating, but the “way” to officiate. Over the last four decades, Butler has served on various committees, including Better Officiating, Curriculum, Assignments, Recognition, By-laws, Ratings and others. He has served as a mentor for younger officials as well, trying to have them learn from his experience. In 1997 he became the vice-president of the CFOA, the umbrella group of state football officiating, and president a year later. He began his stint with the CFOA in 1995, serving as a representative of the Eastern Board. In 2007 he was elected Vice-president, and a year later took over the presidential chair. He also served as assistant commissioner for the organization for four years, while serving five separate terms on the executive board. He was presented the Vin Reilly Award for Service to his organization (2006), received the ECFO Presidents Award (2008), was acknowledged by the IAABO Award for 35 years of service, and accepted the Umpire Medal Program’s 45-year Award of the ASA for service in umpiring softball. Over the last 30 years he has racked up many CIAC playoff games in the quarter-, semi- and final rounds. Jim has been married to his wife Teresa for 20 years and he has two stepsons, Jeff and John. The Butler Family resides in Oakdale.