James Walter Luttmann

James Walter Luttmann

James (Jim) Walter Luttmann passed away peacefully at home in Boise, Idaho on July 12, 2025 at the age of 88. James was born on April 8, 1937 to Walter Freidrich and Maleda Kleinshmidt Luttmann in Willmar, Minnesota. The Minnesota winters were conducive to family life and James was the eldest son amongst nine children. He graduated from Frazee High in 1955, having participated in football, basketball, and then baseball in the summer months.

Soon after graduation, he was inducted into the US Army and was stationed in Germany from 1956 through 1958 with the 10th Mountain Division. In 1959, after his honorable discharge from the Army, James decided it was high time he furthered his education by enrolling in Boise Junior College. Two years later, he transferred to Idaho State University, where he graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts in 1964.

Thus began James’ career in education with the Boise School District. He taught history at Boise High School, German at Capital, and was a counselor at Borah. During his career, he also obtained a master’s degree in education from the College of Idaho.

In the summers, James worked as a Smoke Jumper for the US Forest Service and on crews for the Bureau of Land Management. Somewhere in the beginning, as things often happen, James met the love of his life, Janet Low from Gooding, Idaho.

They were married in Boise amongst friends and family in 1964 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and went on to have three children, sons, Eric, Theron, and Ryan. The boys were happy and healthy, and James taught them skills like fishing, hunting, camping, cutting firewood, skiing, gardening, and pretty much anything else he could, as well as taking time to enjoy a cold beer after a hard day’s work.

To his grandkids, he was known as Grandpa; to his sons, Dad; to his students and fellow teachers, Herr Lutt, to his many friends and to Janet, it was always ‘Jim’. To, Jim, we will tell your stories and pass on your knowledge, your heritage and your love of family to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Joanne, Lois, Gloria and Elizabeth, and his grandson, Kai. He is survived by his wife, Janet, his siblings Rose, Eugene, John and Charles, as well as his sons, Eric (Lori) Luttmann, Theron (Emily) Luttmann, and Ryan (Nicole) Luttmann, his beloved grandkids Jacob (Justine) Luttmann, Maranda (Nehemiah) Boone, Hana Luttmann, Ty Luttmann, and Leina Luttmann, in addition to his great grandchild Hazel Luttmann.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements are finalized.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.