Obituary for James Paul Tuttle
James Paul Tuttle (Jim) age 85, of Ft. Myers, Florida, beloved husband of Kathy Gabbard
Tuttle, passed away on March 15, 2023.
The only son of Paul R. Tuttle and Mary McKee Tuttle, Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on
March 4, 1938. Raised in Lima, Ohio Jim attended Lima Senior High School and graduated in
June of 1956. Jim spent his youth playing and working at the local YMCA. He was an
outstanding high school wrestler, which led him to a state title his senior year. That high school
success in wrestling also led him to his dream school, The Ohio State University.
Jim was a devoted OSU fan and loved watching the Buckeyes play. After attending college Jim served his
country in the Army reserves. From there Jim went on to a 30 year career with Montgomery
Ward as a Service Manager. Montgomery Ward relocated Jim and Kathy to Florida where he
went on to work for Federated (Burdines) Stores for 15 more years until he retired.
He was a proud lifelong member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 64 years. Jim enjoyed
golfing, boating, beach days, and vacationing with family and friends. The beach was Jim’s
happy place and it will never be the same without you. We love you and will miss you greatly.
Jim is survived by his children Stephen (Laura) Tuttle of Camano Island, WA, Mary Kristine
(Andrew) Stewart of Troy, OH, James (Kimberly) Tuttle of Jupiter FL. Jim was blessed with
seven grandchildren, Darci Tuttle (Ryan), Erik (Julie) Tuttle, Paul (Ashley) Tuttle, Cale (Joelle)
Bryan, Rebekah (Patrick) Berbach, Kyle Tuttle, Austin Tuttle and seven great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary, and his son in law Cristopher Bryan.
Friends and family will gather for a Celebration of Life on Friday, March 24th, 2023, beginning at 1:00pm at the Arborwood Preserve neighborhood town center located at 11730 Arborwood Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33913.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fraternal order of Elks 2750 N. Lakeview
Ave Chicago IL, 60614. Please visit: www.elks.org
Elks Purposes: To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly
Love and Fidelity.
Arrangements for James Paul Tuttle are under the direction of Legacy Options Fort Myers.
Tuttle, passed away on March 15, 2023.
The only son of Paul R. Tuttle and Mary McKee Tuttle, Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on
March 4, 1938. Raised in Lima, Ohio Jim attended Lima Senior High School and graduated in
June of 1956. Jim spent his youth playing and working at the local YMCA. He was an
outstanding high school wrestler, which led him to a state title his senior year. That high school
success in wrestling also led him to his dream school, The Ohio State University.
Jim was a devoted OSU fan and loved watching the Buckeyes play. After attending college Jim served his
country in the Army reserves. From there Jim went on to a 30 year career with Montgomery
Ward as a Service Manager. Montgomery Ward relocated Jim and Kathy to Florida where he
went on to work for Federated (Burdines) Stores for 15 more years until he retired.
He was a proud lifelong member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 64 years. Jim enjoyed
golfing, boating, beach days, and vacationing with family and friends. The beach was Jim’s
happy place and it will never be the same without you. We love you and will miss you greatly.
Jim is survived by his children Stephen (Laura) Tuttle of Camano Island, WA, Mary Kristine
(Andrew) Stewart of Troy, OH, James (Kimberly) Tuttle of Jupiter FL. Jim was blessed with
seven grandchildren, Darci Tuttle (Ryan), Erik (Julie) Tuttle, Paul (Ashley) Tuttle, Cale (Joelle)
Bryan, Rebekah (Patrick) Berbach, Kyle Tuttle, Austin Tuttle and seven great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Mary, and his son in law Cristopher Bryan.
Friends and family will gather for a Celebration of Life on Friday, March 24th, 2023, beginning at 1:00pm at the Arborwood Preserve neighborhood town center located at 11730 Arborwood Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33913.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fraternal order of Elks 2750 N. Lakeview
Ave Chicago IL, 60614. Please visit: www.elks.org
Elks Purposes: To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly
Love and Fidelity.
Arrangements for James Paul Tuttle are under the direction of Legacy Options Fort Myers.