If Butch Harrison had lived during the time of the Old West, his wanted poster would have read something like this…WANTED, Toughest man in the county, able to fight forest fires, break horses, mules, donkeys, and any other stubborn individuals, has an adventurous spirit, takes down trees or other obstacles in his path, not afraid of a challenge, not willing to back down when it really counts, and a love of family.

James Noel Harrison was born on March 16, 1952, in Harrison, Arkansas, to Wallace Eugene Harrison and Betty Ann Blackwell. Though he traveled around the U.S. for his job, he returned back to his roots and settled in Parthenon, Arkansas where he built a cabin to look out over the mountains that he loved. Butch, as he was better known, received his promotion to his eternal home in heaven on August 9, 2023.

While still in high school, Butch spent his summers working for the U.S. Forest Service in Ozark National Forest, where his love for the outdoors continued to grow. Butch knew that he would never want to be stuck inside an office or building for work, so his journey continued. After high school, he joined the National Park Service full time, where he served at Buffalo National River (Arkansas), then on to Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Colorado), Crater of the Moon National Park and Preserve (Idaho), followed by White Sands National Park (New Mexico), way out west to Sequoia & Kings Canyon (California), and back to Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas) where he retired in 2006. After retirement, he continued to do contract work for the National Park Service when firefighters were needed in areas of extreme wildfires or natural disasters. He helped with the recovery of Hurricane Sandy and he even got to work at Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty during that time.

When he finally hung up the forestry and park tools, he went back to his roots of having cattle, mules, horses, dogs, and lots of farm work! He and Colleen always managed to make it fun through their adventures of farm life, but adding in trips to see as many places as possible. Colorado always held a special place in Butch's heart, as they took trail rides and hunting trips all over for many years.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Colleen who stood by his side every step of the way through the good and the bad. Without Colleen, Butch would not have had the will to continue his fight for so long. He is also survived by his 2 children, Tina Slocum and husband Lonnie Slocum of Missouri and James Michael Harrison and wife Chelsea of Harrison. He has 11 grandchildren from his kids, Casey, Cale, Riley, Kellie, Logan, Sammie, Teressa, Skylar, Kaydence, Kinsley, and Kholbie. Butch also leaves behind 6 beautiful great grandchildren, Paisley, Cotton, and Magnolia, Hayden, Harper, and Winston who brought such joy and smiles to him!

Through his marriage to Colleen, he also gained another family of children and grandchildren that he loved dearly. Justin and Heather Campbell, along with their children, Beckham, Micah, and Asher loved riding around and visiting the farm. Ashley and Boone Clifford, along with their children Sophie, Scarlett, and Jackson held a special place in his heart.

Butch also leaves behind a sister, Janice Clark and husband John of Bushland, Texas and a brother, Robbie Harrison and wife Julie, of Jasper. Butch has many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and even one great great niece. Friends that were like family are innumerable as his years of trail riding brought so many into his life.

John Wayne is quoted as saying, "Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." Butch lived a life of courage facing each challenge head on. He endured years of treatments and pain fighting with all that he had. If he was scared, he didn't show it much. He knew that people counted on him and he wouldn't go down without a fight. He truly was one of the toughest in the county.

The memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday August 19, 2023, at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.  Jody Holland and Richard Dixon will be officiating.

Visitation will be at 1:00 PM Saturday prior to the service.