James A. Tuttle

James A. “Jim” Tuttle, 76, a lifelong resident of Wilton, NH, died peacefully on March 7, 2026, surrounded by family at the Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH, after a long period of declining health.

He was born on August 9, 1949, in Nashua, NH, the son of the late James E. and Edna L. (Glines) Tuttle.

Jim graduated from Wilton High School in 1967. He attended Concord Technical Institute and graduated from NHVTI in 1970 with an AS degree in Machine Tool Repair.

He worked in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and site superintendent. He was affectionally known by close friends and family as the Diggaman. Jim served his town as a Volunteer Fireman beginning in 1967 for 27 years, retiring as Captain of Excelsior Hose Company #1. He also served over 30 years as a Wilton Water Commissioner, as a member of theWilton Zoning Board of Adjustment and for several years as a Wilton Sewer Commissioner. He was Wilton’s Road Agent in the early 1970s. Jim was a member of the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC in Wilton serving for many years as member of the Board of Trustees, and a member of the Clinton Lodge #52 F&AM.

Jim cherished every moment spent with his family and friends. A devoted sports fan, he was also a gifted three sport athlete throughout his high school and college years. He proudly played catcher and outfielder for the wellknown Water Buffaloes Softball Team. Jim rarely missed a game when his daughters—and later his granddaughters—competed, each of them carrying forward his love of athletics. In his earlier years, he was a familiar sight around town, always accompanied by his loyal German Shepherd. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Leslie (Wood) Tuttle of Wilton, NH, his two daughters, Lori and her husband Keith Bowen of Hudson, NH, Julie and her husband Scott Varney of Wilton, NH, his beloved granddaughters, Madelynn Bowen, Michaella Bowen and Loghan Varney, two sisters, Shirley (Tuttle) LaFortune of Peterborough, NH, Marcia (Tuttle) and her husband Christopher Neuhardt also of Peterborough as well as nieces and nephews in NH, NC and MO, extended family and many close friends.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford, NH. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the 2nd Congregational  Church, UCC, 25 Gregg Street, Wilton, NH. Burial will be in the spring in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Wilton.

Memorial donations may be made to the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC Memorial Fund, PO Box 246, Wilton, NH 03086.