James A. Tuttle

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

Born on August 9, 1949, in Nashua, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late James E. and Edna L. (Glines) Tuttle. Jim graduated from Wilton High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree in Machine Tool Repair from NHVTI in 1970. He built a long career in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator, truck driver, and site superintendent, earning the affectionate nickname “Diggaman” among family and friends.

Jim gave generously of his time to the town he loved. He served 27 years as a volunteer firefighter, retiring as Captain of Excelsior Hose Company #1. He also served more than 30 years as a Wilton Water Commissioner, several years as Sewer Commissioner, and as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. In the early 1970s he served as Wilton’s Road Agent. A longtime member of the 2nd Congregational Church, UCC, he served many years on its Board of Trustees and was also a member of the Clinton Lodge #52 F&AM.

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

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Leslie (Wood) Tuttle of Wilton; his daughters, Lori and her husband Keith Bowen of Hudson, and Julie and her husband Scott Varney of Wilton; his beloved granddaughters, Madelynn Bowen, Michaella Bowen, and Loghan Varney; his sisters, Shirley (Tuttle) LaFortune of Peterborough and Marcia (Tuttle) and her husband Christopher Neuhardt of Peterborough; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and many close friends.