James Loyd Putnam

James Loyd Putnam, 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 7 May 2020.

Loyd was born in Gaffney, South Carolina in 1922 to James and Catherine Putnam. Loyd was a determined man, who could accomplish anything he set his mind to. He developed a love for farming and gardening at a young age. After graduating from High School, he left for California and worked as an aircraft mechanic for Lockheed Martin. He then joined the US Army Air Force in 1943 and began training to become a pilot. World War II ended just as he completed flight school and he moved to Atlanta where he began a 38 year career with Southern Bell. He began work as a poleman, but through his hard work and diligence, he became the Top Sales Award Winning Superintendent of the Emory District and retired in 1983.

Loyd met the love of his life, his angel, Dorothy Shirley Crocker in 1946. They wed on his birthday; he said it was the best birthday present he ever received. Loyd and Dorothy built their dream home by hand in Avondale Estates, GA. Neither had any experience building a home, but they taught themselves by reading books at the library. Loyd had a love of knowledge that continued throughout his entire life. He was constantly improving his home and was a man ahead of his time. He was featured in the news many times for his home garden full of vegetables and fruit trees and for being one of the first homes to install solar panels in 1985 (which he installed himself). Loyd loved to serve others. When he was in his 90s, he insisted on cutting the grass for neighbors, who were in their 70s, because they were too old to do it for themselves. Loyd was a hard worker; even when his body could no longer plow the fields or swing a hammer, he insisted on sitting outside until the work was done no matter how long the day was. He, of course, directed what and how the work should be performed.

Loyd loved the Lord and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions in the church; Sunday School President, Bishop, High Councilman. He was very involved in genealogy and spent much of his retired life tracing his family history.

Loyd’s proudest accomplishment of all was his family. Loyd and Dorothy raised 6 amazing children who carry on the legacy of hard work, love of the Lord, thirst for knowledge, and importance of family. His 23 grandchildren adore him and have spent their lives striving to make him proud. The softest spot in Loyd’s heart was reserved for his 34 great grandchildren, his “babies”, who remember him fondly as the giver of candy, warm bread, and hugs.

Loyd’s influence on this world will never end. For each person who knew him was changed for the better by having him in their life.

Loyd was preceded in death by his father, James; mother, Catherine; brothers, Toby and Al; sister-in-law, Peggy; son, Chris; and son-in-law, Park Moon Myung.

Loyd is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy; his son Jimmy (Debi) Putnam; his daughter Vickie (Darrell) Hansen; his daughter Jeana Myung; his daughter Jan (Michael) Pope; his son Van Putnam; his grandson Keith (Talia); grandson Scott (Natalie); granddaughter Sharon (Mike); grandson Brian (Chrisinda); grandson David (Katie); grandson Mark (Estela); grandson Andy (Kat); grandson Nathan; grandson Matthew (Inga-Lisa); granddaughter Heather; granddaughter Chrystal (Joey); grandson Johnny; grandson Danny (Holly); grandson Steven; grandson Michael; grandson Cody; granddaughter Rebekah; grandson Shawn (Deepa); grandson Michael (Yvette); grandson Nathanael; grandson Christopher; granddaughter Christie (Chris); granddaughter Brittany (Travis); and 34 great grandchildren.