James "Butch" Dunaway, Jr.

Butch was born on January 29, 1951 to Patricia (nee Haun) and James T. Dunaway, Sr. in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the beloved husband of Audrey (nee Minnick) and cherished brother of Steve (Barb) Dunaway. He also leaves behind good friend Ron (Linda) Whitaker and many other dear friends and family. He was preceded in death by his treasured parents, grandparents Carl Todt and grandmother Melba "Granny" Sheafer, and his siblings Bruce, Mike, Brian and Sherry. 

Butch grew up in Mt. Healthy and left his mark on the community he loved. He was a star baseball and football player in high school who was awarded the Outstanding Senior Athlete Award. He was All State and an HCSL All-Star Pitcher and would go on to one day be drafted as a pitcher by the Philadelphia Phillies. Though he never was able to play Major League baseball, Butch never lost his love of the game and sports in general. He was a big Ohio State Buckeye Athletics supporter, rarely missing a football game. He loved his Cincinnati Bengals, too, even during the tough times. 

Butch attended Morehead State University. His creative mind and ingenuity led him to a lifetime of projects, problem solving and countless achievements. He was a cabinet maker by trade, but that was only the beginning of the story. If there was something that others said couldn't be done, Butch would find a way to do it. He loved new adventures and no problem was too big for Butch to tackle. His workshop was a work of art in and of itself; if there was a tool made, he had it and he used every one of them. 

He had an engineering mind and held several valuable electrical and hardware patents; he worked on engines and special modifications, was a respected consultant for engineering solutions, built three homes, and also made valuable contributions to the annual Christmas Nativity at Paul R. Young Funeral Homes. But he was perhaps most passionate about his aerobatic flying and his slot car racing businesses. 

Butch was an accomplished pilot, flight instructor, airplane builder, and multiple aerobatic contest winner. He loved the feeling of being in the air and flying high over Southwest Ohio. He was well known at the Hamilton Airport and his flight instruction skills were in high demand. He carried this same passion into slot car racing. He owned two slot car businesses and created more than 20 slot car racetracks and several cars that were acquired by enthusiasts across the nation. His own slot car raceway he made for his home was especially important to him. He hosted several competitions out of his raceway each year and would join racers and competitors from all over to organize events and race slot cars. But he found a special joy in sharing his love with a new generation. 

A brilliant man of many skills and talents, Butch was also known for his goodness and his friendship. He loved serving the community and friends he grew up with. He loved to help people, especially his friends, and was someone you could count on to be there for you. He was kind, truthful, loving and deeply loyal. He leaves behind a history and legacy within his family, within Mt. Healthy, and in the greater community that goes beyond his amazing accomplishments. In the end, Butch knew his time was drawing near, he knew where he was going, and he gracefully faced his final days with strength and dignity. Even in his last few days, his thoughts were only of Audrey and her well being. That's the kind of man Butch was - always thinking of others and ways to make their lives better. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

A visitation for Butch will be held at Paul R. Young Funeral Home in Mt. Healthy on Monday, December 22, 2025 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 12 pm. Final committal will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on Pleasant Avenue. 

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