James Ormonde Lloyd-Butler
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James Ormond Lloyd-Butler, one of the state's last "Californios", was born in 1925 in Oxnard at St. John's Hospital and died at home, at Rancho Santa Clara del Norte where he raised his family, sought his livelihood and lived the majority of his 96 years.
After graduating from Santa Clara High School in Oxnard, Jim joined the Navy in 1943 as a private, serving on the USS Hector. In 1956, he married Cynthia Dolores Marsh who became the love of his life for nearly 60 years. In 1978, Jim and Cynthia moved to the ranch, which he lovingly managed for the next 44 years.
Jim was especially devoted to the men and women who helped him develop and execute his goals and dreams for the ranch. First were his two brothers, Shane and Pat and their families who supported his vision and his dream for the property. Equally important was the team of men and women who helped him execute his vision, manage the ranch's staff and operations as well as its 200-year adobe house and grounds, including brothers Arturo, Jos? and Ramiro Romo and Lupe Torres.
Jim was predeceased in life by Cynthia, his beloved wife of 59 years. He was also predeceased by his cherished daughter Camilla Lloyd-Butler Shafer, who succumbed to cancer in 2018. Jim is survived by his son Thomas and his partner Daniel Zelen, as well as by Thomas's sons, Ross Lloyd-Butler (Vianna) and John Lloyd-Butler (Sheila). Jim is also survived by Camilla's sons, James McLaughlin Shafer and Weiler Worthington Shafer, and by their father, Arthur Hammel Shafer. He is also survived by King, his German shepherd dog, who will be well-loved.
There will be a private Vigil Mass and Rosary at the Ranch Chapel. Please join the family at a Mass of Christian Burial on February 25th, at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard at 10 am.
James has been entrusted to the care of the family-owned and operated Reardon Funeral Home, 511 North A St. Oxnard, Ca. www.reardonfh.com.