Dr. J. Michael Putman

On the morning of October 28, 2023, Dr. J. Michael Putman died suddenly and unexpectedly at his Lakewood home. The world did not turn off its axis. No band of angels appeared. However, treasured amounts of kindness, tenderness, dignity, and astute professionalism certainly leaked away. We will be hard pressed to recover from such loss.

Born on December 21, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Frederick Reuben Putman and Hazel Leveille Putman, Mike and his older brother, Frederick Reuben Putman Jr., sometimes called “Fred” and other times “Pat,” shared a birthday near Christmas, which was always celebrated in the summertime. The two were blessed with brilliant comedic timing, and their esoteric parodies brought many laughs. They remained close throughout their lives, with Mike retrieving Fred on recent Sundays from his assisted living home to watch football together.

Mike attended the University of Georgia in Athens, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1969. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 1973. An internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology brought him to Dallas and Baylor University Medical Center. He thrived at Baylor and pioneered his specialty in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, serving in numerous medical director roles and lecturing extensively as a widely renowned in vitro fertilization expert.

From operating room to hospital room and even to barroom, he was a true solid. Mike was the switch-hitting talent who could one moment imitate a Scottish caddie or Boudreaux and Thibodeaux (very well done) or John Wayne (not so much), then wax on about the clinical attributes of his stabilizing invention. He was a fine wing shot who could also pinpoint a bass lure and was not unfamiliar with a nice bottle of wine. He could play a masterful round of golf and loved the company of his Dallas Country Club playing partners and family linksmen.

Mike’s most fervent love was always directed to his children, John, Amanda, and Benjamin. When communications with them seemed too rare, he wore those worries on his sleeve. The more he saw of them, the more exuberant he would become, and he never shone more brightly than these last few years. He worshiped them.

And his patients often worshiped Dr. Putman—even during the most stressful of times. He was tremendous at disarming that stress and replacing it with confidence. He saw his patients as partners in a dramatic exercise to create life. They felt his kind and appreciable spirit that led to conversation—not lecture. Mushy thank you letters, baby photos, and even invites to college graduations graced the office walls at his Fertility Center of Dallas and instilled him with pride.

The newest of medical technology much intrigued him, but nothing compared to his authentic love of his children and grandchildren. He could keep a secret, was the perfect grandpa, a dignified and generous southern gentleman, and a masterful storyteller. He was a real man who did things the right way and is now gone way too early.

He is survived by his brother Frederick Reuben Putman Jr.; his children John Michael Putman Jr. (Sarah) and their children Katie Faye, Avery, and Jack; Amanda Putman Zehavi and her children Nathan and Hazel; Benjamin Putman (Hana) and their children Benjamin Jr. and James; stepdaughter Molly Tranchin (Matt) and their children River, Koda, and Jagger; cousin William “Billy” Sheehy, his wife Ann, and their daughter Jill; and a host of other family members, colleagues, and friends.

Visitation and reception with the family will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Avenue, Dallas, TX 75214.

A private burial will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Dallas Zoo, where Mike was a proud supporter, active in the primate fertility program, or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Putman family.