Jack Putnam

1927 - 2024

Jack Putnam
June 3, 1927 - November 14, 2024
It is with peace and gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Melrose "Jack" Hoggan Putnam, on November 14, 2024 at the age of 97 in Draper, UT. After a full and vibrant life, he peacefully rode off into the sunset, leaving behind a life well-lived and well-loved. A cowboy at heart, he spent his childhood days in the saddle, and later on in life at the golf course, all while sporting his signature cowboy hat. Jack was born on June 3, 1927, in Woodruff, UT, to John Melvin and Rosabelle Hoggan Putnam - the seventh of nine children. Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to Camp Roberts, California during World War II. After the war, he completed a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in California where he taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many people. From a very young age, his mother instilled in him a thirst for knowledge. Education and learning became the foundation of Jack's life. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University, a Master's Degree from the College of Idaho, and an Administrative Certificate from Eastern Oregon University. Jack moved to Ontario, OR in 1956 to be with his parents after his father suffered a stroke. This is when he accepted his first teaching job in Ontario teaching 6th grade at Lindbergh Grade School. He would spend the next 39 years teaching in various schools in Ontario until his retirement in 1992. During the summer of 1956, he became well acquainted with a lovely and beautiful girl with star-dust eyes, rose cream complexion, and soft brunette hair. Their relationship began at a church dance in Ontario. After dancing the whole night together, he drove her home and the rest is history. Jack married Charlene Holladay on June 4, 1957 in the Logan, UT Temple. In 1963, they bought a large white house on the corner of 8th Avenue and 3rd Street in Ontario. This is where they welcomed their seven children and lived their happiest lives. In 1995, Jack and Charlene served an 18-month mission in the Czech Prague Mission as Church Education Service coordinators. They often commented that it was "an experience of a lifetime." Jack loved the mountains, working outside in the yard, playing basketball, and golfing. His last round of golf was just a few months ago with his sons and some of his grandsons. One of his greatest joys was reading the scriptures and serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was a seminary teacher for many years and loved teaching about the Savior. He wrote this in his journal, "The Savior is my example, my light, my hero, my friend. Without him life would have been meaningless. My testimony of Jesus Christ is indeed a Pearl of Great Price." Waiting to greet him on the other side were his wife, Charlene; great-grandson, Briggs Wall; and his parents and seven siblings. Jack is survived by his children: Robert (Melody) Putnam, Richard (Robin) Putnam, Caran (Mark) Daly, Gary (Nina) Putnam, Cheri (John) Carr, Christine (Chris) Beecher, Don (Jill) Putnam; 25 cherished grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren; as well as his sister, Clarine Osborn.
Services and burial were held November 23, 2024 at Cloverdale Mortuary and Cemetery in Boise, ID. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Beacon Crest in Draper, UT, along with Austin Evans and Serenity Hospice, for all their patience with and care for Dad. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Because of Briggs" fundraiser. Donations help families who have experienced infant loss, a cause that was near and dear to Jack and his family. The family invites you to charitably contribute by sending monetary donations through VENMO to Liz at Elizabeth-Wall-13. The money will go toward inkless hand and foot print kits for grieving families as well as keepsake rings and bracelets, memory boxes, grief books, and journals.