James L. Putnam, Sr.

James L. Putnam, Sr., age 80, of Gulfport, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 in Gulfport. He was raised in Des Moines, Iowa and fell in love with the Gulf Coast during a stint at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi where he served as Staff Sergeant and taught air plane mechanics. Jim met and married his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Mae Gentile Putnam, at Keesler and they married in 1949. Jim worked at Bubba Oustalet Ford in Gulfport for over 25 years and was an award winning salesman including Salesman of the Year in 1974. Jim's life was full with activities at St. John The Evangelistic Catholic Church and St. John's schools. He earned 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus; served multiple terms as president of St. Vincent DePaul Society; lead the parish Renew program; was coordinator of lectors and ushers for many years; was a Eucharistic Minister and served on parish councils. He will be remembered for calling Bingo on Sunday nights at the KC Hall; calling St. John football games at Milner Stadium. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Troop 207, earning Order of the Arrow and was awarded the Bishop's Service Cross Award in 1985 for his exemplary service to the Catholic community. Jim was a loving, devoted husband and father and will be remembered as a man of faith, hard work, and for the devoted love of his family. As a loving father, he provided gentle guidance and a strong faith foundation for his family. His loving devotion to Dorothy is a model for the ages and her dedication to Jim through recent days of declining health sets the standard for love between a couple. Jim's stories, bright outlook onlife, strong work ethic and kind generousity will be missed dearly by his family and many friends. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy; four children, Mary Kate Walton and husband, John, Jimmy Putnam, Judy Galloway, and Margie Jepson and husband, Bob; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. St. John's Catholic Church, Gulfport where friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the service. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport. The family prefers memorials to St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. John's Catholic Church, 2414 17th St., Gulfport, MS 39501. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th St., Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.