James "Jim" Loren Putnam

James Loren Putnam, 49, of La Grande, died July 13 at Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande after an extended illness. His memorial service will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Riverside Park.

Jim was born Nov. 3, 1961, in Encino, Calif., to Loren Eugene Putnam and Susannah Lee Rust Putnam. He attended elementary school in Encino and graduated from Union High School. After graduation, he enrolled at J.M. Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, where he graduated and earned his sheet metal fabrication certification.

Jim worked in the logging industry in Oregon and Washington until 1994. He was employed in heating and air conditioning service and repair for 15 years. Jim was married twice, first to Nicole Bassell and then to Ellen Wyatt.

Jim enjoyed camping and fishing with friends and family, especially with his children. He was an avid American Indian artifact collector. Jim would say that his greatest achievement in life was his children.

Surviving are his children, David Putnam, 20, Shayna Putnam, 17 and Miranda Putnam, 14, all of La Grande; his stepson, Michael Bassell, 23, of Vancouver, Wash.; his son, Jimmy Putnam, 29; his mother, Sue Putnam, of Naches, Wash.; and his siblings, Michael Putnam of Kennewick, Robert Putnam of Arizona, Syndy Distain and her husband, Eric, of Kennewick, Rachael Sanchez and J.P. Putnam; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Loren Eugene Putnam.

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