Pictured above, Jack is joined on the IWDC stage by his fourth-generation Butler Gas granddaughters as he receives the 2025 Bob Jackson Memorial Award.
We’re proud to share that our Chairman, Jack Butler, has been recognized on a national stage for the same values that shape Butler Gas every day.
At the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC) Owners’ Meeting held November 4–6 in Bonita Springs, Florida, Jack received the 2025 Bob Jackson Memorial Award, the highest honor IWDC presents to its Members.
This award is given to an individual who goes “above and beyond” in service to IWDC and the broader gases and welding industry. Criteria include a strong volunteer spirit, leadership that earns respect inside and outside the organization, active engagement in the industry and local community, and a family-focused approach to doing business.
For anyone who knows Jack, that description fits him perfectly.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Butler Gas was founded in 1948 by Jack’s parents, Jack and Millie Butler. Jack stepped into the role of President in 1977 at just 25 years old upon his father’s passing. Under his leadership, Butler Gas sharpened its focus on industrial, medical, and specialty gas markets, launching a specialty gas division and investing in filling and analyzing pure gases and complex mixtures.
Jack championed advancements like cylinder barcoding, palletization, and automated fill plants to raise service quality, reduce lead times, and improve safety. These efforts have contributed to Butler Gas receiving multiple awards from organizations such as the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA), and IWDC.
Industry Steward, Community Builder
Jack’s impact reaches far beyond Butler Gas. Over the years, he has stepped up to serve and lead across our industry, including roles as:
- President of the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA), now GAWDA, 1993
- Two-term President of the International Oxygen Manufacturers Association (IOMA), 2003 and 2004
- President of the national Buying and Information Group (BIG), 2010–2011
- Chairman of CGA, 2018
He has also been a long-standing member of the IWDC Gas Committee and an active leader in IWDC’s PurityPlus specialty gas program.
Through each of these roles, Jack has consistently represented Butler Gas strategically with a focus on lifting the entire industry, not just our own company.
Living Our Core Beliefs
This award isn’t just about a lifetime of professional accomplishments. It also reflects the core beliefs that continue to guide our company:
- Safety – Jack has always insisted that nothing is more important than the well-being of our people and our customers. His leadership in safety organizations and commitment to best practices have helped shape the culture we carry forward today.
- People – Whether mentoring new leaders, encouraging innovation, or building friendships across the industry, Jack’s passion for people is at the heart of Butler Gas. He believes that strong relationships and teamwork are the foundation of long-term success.
- Customers – Jack’s vision is simple: serve customers with integrity, reliability, and enthusiasm. That principle still drives how we approach every order, every delivery, and every interaction.
- Profit – Through disciplined, responsible growth, Jack has ensured we can continue to invest in our facilities, our technology, and most importantly, our people, for the next generation and beyond.
A Moment of Pride for the Butler Gas Family
For our Butler Gas family, this recognition is both a celebration and a reminder.
It’s a celebration of Jack’s decades of service—his early mornings, tough decisions, and constant push to do things better, safer, and smarter. It’s also a reminder that the way we work each day, focused on safety, people, customers, and profit, truly matters and is noticed well beyond our walls.
Please join us in congratulating Jack Butler, 2025 Bob Jackson Memorial Award recipient.
His example shows us that passion, action-centric service, and genuine care for others are more than aspirations, they are a way of life at Butler Gas.
Congratulations, Jack. Thank you for continuing to inspire us all.