James P. "Jim" Lutz, age 68, died unexpectedly in Eau Claire, WI, on April 9, 2018, while taking his evening walk, despite the valiant efforts of kind passersby and EMS who administered CPR and attempted lifesaving measures. Jim was born July 24, 1949, in Stevens Point, WI, the son of George A. and Margaret Mary "Pat" (Kelly) Lutz. He attended St. Joseph school and graduated from Pacelli High School in 1967. On January 12, 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Jim married Barbara Lynn Newby on August 3, 1970, at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, after growing up next door to one another in Stevens Point. Jim re-enlisted and was transferred next to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, AK, where he served as a Communications/Analysis Specialist. In Anchorage, he and Barb welcomed their first daughter in 1973. Jim earned an Associate degree from the University of Alaska-Anchorage. After his honorable discharge from the service and the family's return to Wisconsin, he earned his Bachelor's degree at UW-Stevens Point. It was during this time that Jim and Barb's younger daughter was born. Jim later earned his Master's degree at UW-Whitewater. Jim was an avid outdoors and sports enthusiast, playing football and baseball in high school, completing Grandma's and Twin Cities Marathons, local triathlons and running races. Jim ran, biked, kayaked and passed his love for cross-country skiing on to all 5 of his grandchildren. He was a vocal and proud fan of his daughters and grandchildren in their various sporting endeavors. He loved learning, earning advanced degrees as well as his CPA designation (Jim was a member of AICPA and WICPA) and he supported his children and grandchildren in their educational pursuits, always providing pep talks and encouragement. He worked as a financial controller for most of his career and was currently employed full-time in that capacity at Silver Spring Foods, eagerly taking on the role of "Mustard Man." Jim was an active and dedicated member of St. Olaf Parish and served in many capacities such as Finance Council, Adoration and Men's Club. Jim loved spending time in Northern Wisconsin each summer with his family, helping his grandchildren reel in sunfish and out-paddling his sons-in-law in their kayaks on the lake. When he found himself indoors, he enjoyed listening to Cajun music, reading and keeping up on current events. Above all, Jim was dedicated to his family. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. Jim and Barb shared a deep and abiding love. They genuinely enjoyed one another's company, attending fish fry meals each Friday and just spending time together. Every Sunday, the entire family gathers for a meal and this time will never be the same. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Newby) Lutz; his children, Kelly (Eric) Muller and Kristin (William) Kays; his grandchildren, Marah, Annalise, Brady James, Joshua and Nolan all of Eau Claire, WI; his brothers, George (Mary Anne) Lutz of Milwaukee, WI, John (Luci) Lutz of Stevens Point, WI, Don (Alvie) Lutz of Marathon, WI; his sister, Mary (Ronald) Domka of Stevens Point, WI; mother-in-law, Dawn (Eckerson) Newby of Stevens Point, WI; brothers-in-law, Don (Maggie) Newby of Stevens Point, WI, Gary (Elaine) Newby of Stevens Point, WI; sister-in-law, Jan (Nix) Lutz of Stevens Point, WI; Godchildren, Andrew James Domka, Mark Lutz and Sarah Hofkes. Jim is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Dale Newby; brother, Peter Lutz; sister-in-law, Judy (Wysocki) Lutz; and an infant daughter. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 2018, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, with Father Paul Hoffman officiating. A visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave, Eau Claire, with a Prayer Vigil beginning at 7:30. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church. Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Sojourner House, 618 S Barstow St, Eau Claire; the Eau Claire Ski Striders, send to Mark Blaskey, 2004 E. Willson Dr, Altoona, WI 54720 - please put "Tower Ridge Improvement Fund" on the memo line; or Halos of the St. Croix Valley, 207 South Knowles Ave, New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017. The family would like to thank the passersby who stopped to help, EMS, and the Mayo Clinic Health System Emergency Department for their care and compassion.

Service Information

Visitation

Sunday, April 15 2018 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home 814 First Ave Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Monday, April 16 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Olaf Catholic Church 3220 Monroe St Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass

Monday, April 16 2018 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. Olaf Catholic Church 3220 Monroe St Eau Claire WI 54703