James Louis Putman, 64, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, in Niles, Michigan.
Jim was born on July 25, 1961 in Hazel Crest, Illinois to Anton Putman and Mary H. (Stoelinga) Putman.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Putman and brother, Thomas G. Putman.
Left to cherish the memory of Jim is his father, Anton Putman; siblings, John (Christine) Putman, Anton J (Christina) Putman, and Corrine Jackson, and nieces and nephews, Andrea Putman (Nick Marsh), Nicole (Mark) Martin, Jenna Putman (Josh Steffy), Justin (Alexis) Putman, Jason (Kaylin) Putman, Joey (Macy) Putman, Blake Putman, Alaina Putman (Carl Wahlborg), Olivia Putman (Dominic Huntly), Joshua Jackson, Emily Jackson, Anna Jackson, and Nikolas Jackson.
Jim passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life shaped by faith, hard work, and steady kindness. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in both Niles, Michigan and Mokena, Illinois, and his involvement in the bible study group, Knights of Columbus, and Cursillo was an important part of his spiritual life.
For many years, Jim worked at Seyfarth Shaw in Chicago, Illinois. He was known as a dependable, dedicated employee who took pride in doing his job well. Outside of work, he enjoyed woodworking and spent many hours in his workshop, creating things for family and friends.
Jim was a loving son, brother, uncle, and godfather. He didn’t seek attention, but he was always there when someone needed help. He was generous with his time, honest in his words, and steady in the way he cared for the people around him. Those who knew him will remember his easy smile and gentle nature.
Jim’s family and friends are grateful for the years they had with him, and he will be deeply missed.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made out to Cursillo of Kalamazoo, 70549 Adamsville Rd. Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.
Visitation for Jim will be on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary to be prayed at 6:30pm at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St. Niles, Michigan 49120. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:00am with a time of visitation to be held one hour prior at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 219 S State St. Niles, Michigan 49120. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 700 W Chicago Rd. Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Jim’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Visitation
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120
Rosary
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 6:30PM
Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street Niles, MI 49120
Visitation
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 10:00AM – 11:00AM
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 219 S. State St. Niles, MI 49120
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 11:00AM – 12:00PM
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 219 S. State St. Niles, MI 49120
Burial
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 12:00PM
Calvary Cemetery W. Chicago Road Niles, MI 49120
Posted On: Monday, December 15, 2025 4:10 PM
