John (J.B.) Mackenzie Button died Tuesday, April 18 in Hot Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Jane Muller Button. He was born in Denver, CO on July 5, 1953 and moved as a child to Hot Springs, never again residing far from the Oaklawn racetrack. J.B. lived by his own rules up until the very end. He was a happy, easygoing, funny guy and a friend to all. John never let the truth get in the way of a good story, but he also lived large and surprised his family and friends countless times with outrageous tales that proved to be true.
He is survived by his son Matthew and wife, Kelly, and their children, Davis and Liliane Button of Tucson, AZ and his daughter, Anna and husband, Caleb High of Hot Springs. Survivors also include his former wife, the saintly Barbara Beard Button, brothers Robert Button and Frank Button of Hot Springs, David Button and wife, Jean, of Fayetteville, and Sally Button Pierce and husband, Randall, of Hot Springs. He was a favorite of his nieces and nephews and their friends. He loved his Wray cousins of California and Arizona. The family is grateful to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, especially the nurses and doctors on the 5th floor hospice unit.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 5 at 2:00 at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs. A gathering will be held following the ceremony at the Big Chill where the flag flies at half-mast in memory of its most loyal customer. Bring your favorite J.B. stories, and in his honor, don’t let the truth get in the way!
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400
14 Comments
Love me some JB!! Truly an angel of his own kind! Son blessed to have known him! xoxo
Heaven will never be the same. Eartth sure isn’t! I’ll miss my buddy and my “B”, as you called yourself! You will always bring nothing but a smile except for that occasional selfish tear missing your silly antics and hearing you tell me how much you love me. I’ll hold onto that love forever. I know you know how much I loved you back. Anna and family, know you’re in my heart always, as well.
My condolences 🙏🏻
JB was absolutely my favorite regular customer at Crosswalk. He was always in a great mood and greeted me with his classic smile, told me how beautiful I was, and had words of encouragement. He could bring a smile to my face no matter the circumstances. I will miss him so much as I considered him a member of my family.
So sorry I am unable to attend! My thoughts, love, and prayers are with all of you!
R.I.P. JB you will be missed.
JB was and always will be one of my favorite regulars from my years at the Big Chill. Every time he’d come in he would always challenge me in a game of pool and now I regret that we never had a chance to shoot our game together. He was family to myself and many others. Rest In Love my brother JB.
RIP Bro! Glad you were a part of my life and I yours!! I will remember you fondly for the rest of my days! God Bless you and yours. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Deepest condolences
Rest In Peace , JB 🙏 Miss you already.
J. B.’ s loss will cause a huge gap in so many lives! His unique personality can never be equalled! Thinking of you, Anna. We know his wings are flapping!!!!!!!
I started last April working at the Big Chill and he was always full of life and greeted me with a hug and always made me laugh every time I saw him. He became a friend instantly and always looked forward to seeing him when I was working. He was a great friend and man. He was a big blessing in my life and I’m glad that I could call him my friend. He will be missed and loved tremendously everyday.
Candle of love..
My friend. JB everyone’s friend I have have known for 45 years and always with a smile and a laugh. You will be missed.
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