James "Jim" H. Putman

James “Jim” H. Putman, 99, retired pharmaceutical sales representative, died Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sunday, April 26, 2026, Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Monday, April 27, 2026, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.

Jim was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1926, where he grew up in Brookside and attended Central High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and was stationed in Hawaii where he played in the Navy band. Jim returned home to Tulsa to complete his education at Central High. This is where he met a “cute little redhead Betty” to whom he was later married for 59 years.

Jim was a pharmaceutical salesman for over 35 years. It was his job with Merck that brought him and his family to Wichita in 1957.

He enjoyed many things in life including big band music, dancing, golf, bowling, fishing, camping and all sports. Jim especially enjoyed watching sports that involved his children and grandchildren. His favorite team was KU, but he will always be an Okie. One of Jim’s favorite places to be was camping and fishing in Colorado near Crested Butte. This is where he often celebrated his birthday.

Jim was blessed with an abundance of friends and family. Many of them he stayed in touch with through all his years.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James H., Sr. and Eugenia Putman; wife, Betty Ann Putman; and son, James Steven “Steve” Putman.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra “Sandy” (Scott) Riffel; sons, Stan (Jan) Putman, Randy (Kathy) Putman; grandchildren, Janea (Cody) Christy, Kyle (Codi) Riffel, Kelsey (Scott) White, Mason Putman (MaryJane Tulare), Spencer (Mandi) Putman, Kaity (Ryan) Huff, Brogen Putman, Maddi (Dustin) Myrick, A. J. Putman (Caitlin McDougal), Kit Riffel (Chris Robinson), Megan Putman (Trey Douglas); and twenty-one great grandchildren.

A memorial has been established with Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 3450 North Rock Road, Building 200, Suite 213, Wichita, KS 67226.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.