James Douglas Tutwiler was born January 16, 1933 in Weyers Cave, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley. He beat prostate cancer for 35 years, but died of Covid-Pneumonia on December 19, 2022. As dad used to say ‘when i go to the happy hunting ground,’ where he now joins his beloved wife of 62 years, Marilyn Tutwiler, only son, James McClung Tutwiler, and two infant daughters Lisa and Thea. Tut was the youngest son of John Marvin Tutwiler and Nancy Virginia McClung Tutwiler. The oldest son, Johnny Tutwiler, preceded him and is buried in the Tutwiler Cemetery, VA. Dad grew up in Virginia and also spent two years at the home of his aunt in Drummond MT where he fell in love with the Treasure state. He was the first in his family to go to college graduating from the University of Montana in journalism and later a graduate degree in public relations, American University, Washington DC. He had three careers: 30 years U.S. Army, in the Middle East with the Multinational Force Observers, and with the Montana State Chamber of Commerce. We kids got to see the world growing up in a military family and we cherish this to the day. Out of all the different places we lived growing up, I don’t recall any other dad ever coming out after dinner to play ball with us and the neighborhood kids like he did. He sorely missed hunting, skiing, backpacking, hiking, and golf in his later years; he was also a strong distance runner. He is survived by his twin daughters, Kimberly Brosmer (Bob) in MD and Kari, Helena. He is survived by his East coast grandchildren Lynn Scott (Matt, go Hokies), Kara Brosmer, Washington state grandchildren, Jake Zorich, Jonathan and Gavin Tutwiler, their mom Sonja Tutwiler, and 3 great-granddaughters in Maryland, Addison, Olivia and Hannah Scott, and family friend, Terry Landry, FL. A special thank you to Touchmark especially Heidi Smith, Nancy Yager, and to Lauren, Enhabit Hospice. No service will be held, the family will scatter his ashes up in the Nine Mile at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Ron Shields says
A good friend for many years. I remeber his big bull elk story, and trips to Yellowstone.
Hugh McWhorter says
I always enjoyed my visits with Jim. Whether it was which golf clubs to buy (Jim directed me toward my Mizunos) or take aways from our respective visits with retired three star General Hank Emerson, I very much enjoyed Jim’s comments and insights. Jim and Lou Marilyn were excellent neighbors to my mother and I believe it was mom who made me aware that Jim and I were alumni of the same college, American University. I vividly recall Jim’s philisophical reflection that you cannot eliminate the aging process but you can slow it down. How true. A man who was very fair in his dealings with others and a man that will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Harry W Child says
Goodby to a true honest man. I had the privilege of working with Jim during the troubled times at the Montana Chamber of Commerce and it was Jim who saved the day. I enjoyed every single day with my good friend. Rest in peace Colonel
Karolyne Redding says
Kari, I was saddened to read about your dad. He was truly one of my favorite residents at Touchmark. We had some great visits.
BG(Ret) Stan R. Putnam says
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I first met Jim in the Guard State Hqs, he was a full Colonel and the Senior Army Adviser, I was a 1st LT and Admin officer for 2/163d Cav. He was a great man, smart and always ready to help. Later I moved to the State Hqs and had the opportunity to get to know Jim far better. He later retired, but I bumped into him at Touchmark where he and his wife were moving. My daughter worked part-time at Touchmark, which provided me the opportunity to visit with him more. After his wife’s passing I would often bump into Jim in the Lobby where we would visit about all sorts of things. I always enjoyed his company, short mind, and dry sense of humor. Rest In Peace My Friend. Stan
Rene'e Coffman says
Rest in peace papa .. your work here on earth is done.. Job well done!!! Your children, grandchildren and the ones yet to come, have something to be proud of:) You truly were a wonderful man, generous and kind hearted. Always wanting the best for the ones you loved. I’m honored to have known you:) thank you!!!
My deepest sympathy to you Kari Bear,Kim,Lynn,Kara,Jake,Johnathan and Gavaroo.
But for you Papa, I’m so happy that your heavily burdened heart, is now free and you’re reunited with your beautiful wife and loving #1 son:) May you all rest in peace..God is nigh!!
All my love, Renée
Hal Harper says
I first met Jim during long past legislative days when he was a strong and unwavering voice for the Chamber. Never rattled, precise with his words, supremely honest, always pleasant, he was a true leader of the “Third House,” and much of the good legislation enacted in those days he impacted.
At Touchmark he and family were always uplifting, friendly, and he always greeted you with a smile.
This man was a prince!
Hildegund Landry says
Tut and family were my neighbors at Fort Lewis, WA back in 1959. We lost track of each other but met again in Europe in the early 70s. He and his family became my family and he helped me through some of the hardest days of my life. I consider myself blessed to have met and known a man like Jim Tutwiler.
Jim Bonato says
LTC Tutwiler was my Squadron Commander when I was a Lieutenant in the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry in Fulda, West Germany. Since I was a heavy smoker, I mumbled words under my breath when he led the squadron on runs three days a week…but I always looked up to him and felt that his influence was a stellar example as I continued on my career in the Army Reserves. My wife and I remember his “open house” with Lou Marilyn and her mother and his Virginia cured ham. We had the pleasure of spending a week with him skiing in Austria with some of our other Army friends from the 1st Squadron. Although 3 ranks above me, he was always approachable and willing to spend the time to converse about things. RIP Sir!
Gary Pichon says
He was my commanding officer at Fulda in the early 70s. I was the CO of B Troop and served under him as a Troop commander, Tank Gunnery Officer and as a Squadron Motor Officer . He was a fine man, a careful trainer of young captains, a gentleman and a hidden scholar. I learned a great deal from this man. He brought the Sec of the Army Bo Calloway to listen to me tell the Secretary how terrible the Sheridan 551 was. That day was an important point of my Army career and it did some good long term. But LTC Tutweiler took a bold risk when he did that, but he would take those risks if his innate sense of rightness was offended. The world now needs a whole lot more like him. He was one of those people you try and copy as an example of courage.
Daniel DiLoretto says
I served with COL James Tutwiler when he was the 1st Squadron Commander with the 11th ACR in Fulda, Germany. I can honestly say that he was one of the finest officers I have ever met and a true gentleman who left a lasting impression on my life. I had the privilege to reunite with him and his lovely wife Marilyn at the 2000 Blackhorse reunion in Fulda. He had changed a bit. Very sad to learn of his passing.
Daniel DiLoretto says
I served with COL James Tutwiler when he was the 1st Squadron Commander with the 11th ACR in Fulda, Germany. I can honestly say that he was one of the finest officers I have ever met and a true gentleman who left a lasting impression on my life. I had the privilege to reunite with him and his lovely wife Marilyn at the 2000 Blackhorse reunion in Fulda. He hadn’t changed a bit. Very sad to learn of his passing. God willing I hope we meet again at Fiddlers Green.