James Willis Putnam

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 15 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia. Guests are encouraged to bring their best stories about Willis to share.

Born March 16, 1953 to Orval and Juanita (Martin) Putnam, Willis got his first glimpse of Marcia, the love of his life, as she passed by his GTO. They both fell immediately in love and were married on August 25, 1974. They were blessed with three beloved daughters: Sheila, Carisa and Melissa – or as Willis called them, Big Put, Medium Put and Little Put.

Family was the center of Willis’ life. He was a gentle giant with a big heart, always willing to lend a listening ear and give some thoughtful advice. He was especially good at this with his son-in-law Brad, who became something of an honorary son. They’d work on cars together while Willis shared life lessons.

He worked for the University of Missouri for 41 years as a custodial supervisor and shared his wisdom with many co-workers over the years. In his free time, he loved to be in the great outdoors: deer hunting on the family land in Sturgeon, camping, riding his Harley or working in the garden.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia; daughters Sheila (Travis) Leonard, Carisa (Bobby) Smith, Melissa (Brad) Kennedy; siblings Junior Putnam, Frances Smith, Juanita Brown, Clarence Putnam; grandchildren Austin Smith, Preston Smith, Jarred Kennedy, Isaac Smith, Kurstin Leonard, Jazlynn Smith, Addison Kennedy, Natalye Kennedy; great-grandchild Marcia Hassler; many extended family members and a host of friends. Willis was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Martin Putnam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family in care of Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia MO 65202. In honor of Willis, take time to listen to a loved one and don’t forget to give everyone a “Howdy Howdy Howdy!”