Lifelong Enumclaw resident James Russell Puttman was born March 9, 1927 and left us on June 28, 2023 at the age of 96.
The Puttman family homesteaded the ranch in 1881 at Krain…emigrating from Prussia via Minnesota. Dad’s great, great-grandfather served in the Prussian War. The land has always been a large part of Dad’s life – meaning family, perseverance, hard work, lots of good times and continuity.
His mother, Cecilia Shannon, walked across a field when she married Frank Puttman in 1919 and soon Rita, Tina, Raymond (Bus) and Joan joined the family. Jim was then born in 1927 and one additional boy, Leo in 1929. He would lose both brothers, Leo in 1931 and Bus in 1952. Grandpa Puttman would die in 1936, when Dad was only nine.
Life was hard but Grandma Putt kept the family together. That bond and their faith was strong throughout their lives.
All the kids walked to Krain school through seventh grade, and Dad went on to be the freshman and senior class president of the Class of ’45. He was also the lead in the senior play. His nickname was Trio because he always skated with two girls.
Dad married Shirley Stergion in 1945, working for Stergion Concrete for the next twelve years. Two daughters were born, Judi and Lynne. Dad and Mother grew in different directions and parted in 1958, staying lifelong friends.
In 1967, Dad married Betty Lowery, blending two families.
Dad knew he wanted a different career path and joined Mutual of Enumclaw in 1958. He built his agency’s office complex at the ranch, adding a party area and pool later…what fun times were had. Dad then went into life insurance sales and was Man of the Year nine times, lifelong member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and too many accomplishments to mention. His success was due to having “hometown boy” status, a genuine caring for his insureds, and the willingness to go the extra mile for forty years. He was probably the oldest person to still have his Washington State Insurance License at 96; having just completed the 128 question test a few months ago…missing only two. Community service, helping others and the less fortunate was integral to his beliefs. He did so much no one knew and was a community leader to benefit Enumclaw and the plateau. Dad was a charter member of the Jaycees in the 50’s, active in the Chamber of Commerce in the 60’s, charter member of Rotary in the 70’s and the Hospital Foundation in the 80’s. He served forty years on the Board of the old Community Memorial Hospital encompassing a lifetime of service. Dad was honored to receive the Hometown Hero Pioneer Award from the City one year.
Dad and Betty’s 51-year marriage brought the construction of the “big house” at the ranch in 1967, joint community service and a world of traveling. Their favorite destination was the condo in Hawaii that Dad had purchased in 1965.
They travelled the world, especially Asia, and met lifelong friends. His most profound tragedy was experiencing Betty’s death in 2019.
Dad’s Catholic faith was paramount. He was the first altar boy at the old Krain church in 1933, serving the church whenever he could, especially through Monsignor Farrelly and Father Rink’s tenures. He was campaign chair to raise funds to build the current Sacred Heart Parish in the 70’s. He felt his greatest church accomplishment was spearheading the renovation of the Holy Family Cemetery at Krain during the past twenty years.
We hope Dad is remembered for his unfailing love and affection for “his” town, the people and community service. The “Mayor of Krain” was prone to say: “if a guy could just do (whatever the task might be). This guy did it all.
Dad now joins his parents, siblings, and spouses, and especially Betty. He leaves the most important part of his life still here: daughters Judi (Doug) and Lynne (Jim); stepchildren Linda, George, and Kathi (Tony); grandchildren and great-grandchildren; niece Connie (Peder) and nephew Jeff; and many special friends he cherished.
A recitation of the Rosary and a Funeral Mass were held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a reception at the Enumclaw Expo Center. A private burial was held at Holy Family Krain Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to “Jim’s Favorite Project” at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1614 Farrelly St., Enumclaw, WA 98022. Prayers and Mass intentions in Jim’s name are also greatly appreciated. Please share a memory of Jim on the tribute wall at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.
