Larry (“Jim”) Tuttle, 88, of Battle Creek, Mich., peacefully passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Battle Creek, Mich.
Larry was born in Delton, Mich., the son of Everet and Marguerite (VanderBush) Tuttle. He was a 1950 graduate of W.K. Kellogg Consolidated Agricultural High School. Larry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict serving in Guam, achieving the rank of Staff Sgt.-Chief Aviation Mechanical Inspector on the B-36 “Peacemaker”. He married Shirley Kauffman of Galesburg; they divorced after 34 years.
Larry went on to work at several local garages as an auto mechanic, with his first retirement from Clark Equipment upon plant closure. He continued tinkering with engines at various part-time jobs and wasn’t afraid to go out on his own, including operating his own garage in Verona, running Lee Lake Bait Shop, a semi-truck partnership with Harris/Tuttle Trucking, and finally Larry’s Mobile Mower Repair. His second retirement came after several years of driving vehicle trades for area car dealers.
He cared deeply about all his family--rarely missing a gathering, kept in touch with his closest high-school and Air Force friends, was always a good neighbor, and would tackle anything that needed repair—especially with an engine. He most enjoyed playing cards, cars, dogs, dancing, bowling, boating, fishing, and traveling.
Larry is survived by his daughter Diane (Steve Kafont) Cummins of Concord; son Tim (Shelley Iverson) Tuttle of Garner, NC; grandsons Kip (Leah McPherson) Cummins of San Jose, CA; Cam (Emily) Cummins of Kalamazoo; Lucas Tuttle of Birch Run; Ryan (Breanna) Tuttle of El Paso, TX; sisters Alice Hanover of Marshall; Leona (Richard) Beilfuss of Tyler, OH; a special sister-in-law, Charlotte Johnson; along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife, sisters Dorothy Allen and Virginia Fox, a brother Harley Tuttle, and an infant son, Christopher.
Many thanks for the tender care of his caregivers at the Battle Creek VAMC, The Heritage Assisted Living Center, and Calhoun County Medical Care Facility.
Memorial contributions in Larry’s honor may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015.
Cremation has taken place. Interment will follow next spring at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service; www.baxterfuneral.com.