James Henry Putchel

James Henry Putchel, 76, of West Allis, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 6, 2024.

Loving husband to Cherrie Putchel, stepfather to Lindsay, Christine (William), Jason, Brian, and Rebecca. Father to Jimmy, Scott, and Jody. Son of Loraine (nee) Tibbits and Henry Putchel. Brother to Rick, and Bill Putchel. Grandfather to Aiden, Jacob, Brandon, Amanda (Bryce), and Adam (Destiny), 11 additional grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Jim was an employee of Arrow Tool and Stamping for over 30 years. He made a career out of tool and die manufacturing, CAD and running CNC machines. As an officer of the West Allis Bowman Archery Club, he helped initiate archery tournaments at the annual Sentinel Sports Show. While at West Allis Central High School, Jim was active in cross country and music. In the 70’s, he was lead guitarist and sang vocals in ‘Red Weather,’ a local band which played at clubs and CYO dances.

He enjoyed going to the range and competitively shooting trap and archery. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish with his grandsons Aiden and Jacob. Jim loved golfing with his brothers and nephew and having an occasional drink at the tavern while shooting on pool leagues. As an avid fan of Wisconsin sports, from the days of watching the Brewers at County Stadium to Packer’s games with friends and family, and keeping up with the Badgers and the Bucks. Jim considered it a good day when he was able to watch at least one of his teams win. If he couldn’t see it live on TV he made sure to listen on the radio.

He enjoyed playing his acoustic guitar around the campfire up north, during family camping trips, singing songs like Country Roads and Solitary Man, but every Saturday night at 9 PM, he put his guitar down, and blasted In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly. Jim collected movies, vintage classic rock on vinyl, enjoyed expanding his culinary skills in the kitchen and loved coaching his grandkids from the sidelines at their sporting events.

Please join us in celebrating the life of James Putchel, our beloved “Pooch” on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Studz Pub, 6833 West National Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. The family requests that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Guitars for Vets or the Polycystic Kidney Foundation in his memory.