Shorty Courtner

James Dean “Shorty” Courtner, 65, of Butler, TN, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Born on August 27, 1960, Shorty was a lifelong resident of Butler. He was the son of the late Walter Earl Courtner and Mary Alice Robinson Courtner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Earl Courtner, his stepbrother Danny Peterson, his niece Brandy Courtner, and his brother-in-law and dear friend, Michael Ray Syndergaard.

Shorty worked as a millwright for many years. He enjoyed basketball from the time he was a young boy, and he remained a lifelong fan of NASCAR and AC/DC.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 37 years, Sandra “Sandi” Sue Syndergaard Courtner; his sister-in-law, Cindy Higgs (Brian); his nephews and niece, Matthew Syndergaard (Arielle), Joe Syndergaard (Sam), Jake Higgs, and Brittany Wills (Derik); his great-nieces, Margo, Stella, Jacey, and Aleah; his great-nephews, Cobi, Brody, Jameson, and; his stepfather, Boyd Peterson; his stepbrother, Dennis Peterson; his nephew Kenneth Courtner Jr, and many dear friends. Also left behind are Shorty’s two faithful dogs, Thomas J. and Cooper.

A celebration of Shorty’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and food, those wishing to honor Shorty’s memory may make a donation to help Sandi with funeral expenses and other unexpected financial obligations.

GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/ad2c27ab7

Mailing Address:
Sandi Courtner
708 Main Street
Butler, TN 37640

The family of James Dean “Shorty” Courtner has entrusted his care to Mountain City Funeral Home.