Whitney Pickett

In 2001, Jason Butler joined creative forces with Holly Forbes to form Forbes & Butler Visual Communications, Inc. Over the next 22 years, Jason and Holly’s expertise as designers helped the firm expand the scope of its services. They created a free-thinking, compassionate, and creative work environment where all employees were treated like family. The firm handled a vast array of clients, from large corporate franchise campaigns to start-up business logos and non-profit branding. Jason was a creative powerhouse who approached every project with passion and excellence.

During this time, Jason was heavily involved in various organizations and nonprofits, dedicated to bettering the local community. In 2015, he joined the Longview Main Street Board of Directors, where he proudly served for the rest of his life. Jason was ecstatic to witness the growth of Downtown Longview.

Jason was also an enthusiastic hobbyist. He enjoyed spending weekends camping, hiking, and kayaking. Music was another of his passions, one he shared closely with his daughters. Above all, Jason found his greatest joy in screen printing, which he produced out of the family’s garage. In 2018, he founded Jason Butler Fine Art Screen Print and began exhibiting his work at Longview’s quarterly ArtWalks, where he connected with others over his art. Jason always cherished bringing the memories of his clients to life.

Above all else, Jason passionately loved his girls, Shelly, Lindsey, and Morgan, along with his four-legged friends, Baxter, Bella, and all of their pets over the years. Every year, the family made a point to take a vacation together—whether it was spent at Pensacola Beach, in the mountains skiing, or in the desert. If he was with his girls, he was happy.

Amongst his peers, Jason was known as the life of the party. His laughter was infectious, and he loved bringing others joy. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family, as well as the entire Longview community. Jason was a shining pillar of his community, exemplifying what it means to be a leader, advocate, and friend.

A memorial mural titled “Colorful Lady”, made possible by the generosity of his family and friends, ensures that Jason’s contributions to the arts will continue to inspire the cultural community. The artwork for this mural is based on the original screen print series of the same name by Jason. His limited edition series featured his signature style of printing: an ever-evolving palette of colors that changed with every pull of the squeegee. This mural is installed on the north-facing wall of the LMFA at 213 North Fredonia Street in Longview, Texas.