Jeremy Putnam

Jeremy Michael Putnam was born in Virginia Beach on June 16th 1988. He was the beautiful first-born son of John and Susan Putnam, and thus began his journey through life.

His early years included stops in Meridian, MS and Pensacola, FL. Even at an early age, he touched so many people with his incredible wit and passion. His kindergarten teacher would often comment on the details of his wonderful imagination. His visits to 'Nina and Apa's' were typically kicked off with a hunt for the 'Golden Egg' filled with treasures. He would often be seen, captivated by 'Nina's' bedtime stories filled with the most unique twists and turns. Lengthy trips to 'Honey and Boops'' house, only further enhanced his love for adventure. 'Taylor the Tree,' 'Treacherous Rocks,' and endless boat rides just scratched the surface. He loved his grandparents so much!

The childhood years included places like, Clarksville, TN, Hopkinsville, KY, and Jackson, TN. In these stops he developed his super-power gift of gab and charm, palling around with his little brother, Aaron, to explore all avenues of mischief! The miracle of his First Holy Communion, is an eternal spiritual marker for his mother, Susie. His incredible performance in the school talent show surely would have transplanted him as the lead singer for 'NSYNC!'

During high school years our Father in Heaven began to challenge Jeremy to use his gifts to establish beautiful relationships and explore his musical talent. We often witnessed an almost supernatural tug-of-war between his dreams and the barriers placed along his pathway. Now, Jeremy and Aaron, joined by Gabrielle, Jack, Luke and Sara, in Stillwater, OK, ushered along his journey through God's plan. He made lasting friendships with Brock, Arlie, Kevin, as well as the Hagen Family. They were part of his grand life celebration and helped Jeremy through his father's long-term military absence.

The mercies given by God, in the form of our crosses, are beyond comprehension. Jeremy contemplated his way ahead from high school and decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. This phase in his life led him to Twenty-Nine Palms, CA, and an overseas deployment with a Marine Expeditionary Unit, and many exotic ports of call. His military service touched so many lives and established amazing bonds. The Marines capitalized on Jeremy's fearless sense of mission accomplishment, honor and courage. He was courted by Marine Force Reconnaissance and Special Operations units. He was hand-picked for challenging specialized courses such as Combat Search and Rescue Swimmer School and Combat Medic courses, in addition to special fire team skills training. As one of his shipmate's stated, 'He was a helluva Marine!'

Jeremy left the Marine Corps in 2012, working in Merryville, TN, where he became a fabulous Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. He continued to meet new friends, cherishing the old ones. His personality was infectious and his sense of humor unlike anyone else. From his service in the military, Jeremy had sustained Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and began his fight to normalize its effects. He enrolled in multiple Veteran's Administration programs to combat and treat TBI. He never stopped living, craving adventure and the spice of life through new adventures. He had a deep love for playing the piano. He played everything from Beethoven to Little Mermaid. His music touched so many! He met an amazing woman of faith, Katie, in 2017, which led him back to the source of his love of life, the love of Christ and Our Blessed Mother.

The last several years of Jeremy's wonderful journey resulted in reconciliation of so many silly things and some important things. He believed, passionately, in God's call to him, although he strove so diligently to understand what His plan was. In the last several months of Jeremy's life he recognized the power of Our Lady's promise by wearing the 'Brown Scapular.' His devotion inspired his mother and father to a similar commitment. On Tuesday, March 9th, 2021, the day of Jeremy's death, his mother and father pondered Jeremy's last breath. As they entered his room accompanied by their parish priest, Father Mike Austin, to anoint his body, they noticed the band of his 'Brown Scapular.' His last breath must have been our Lord and Savior and his Blessed Mother, arms extended, as Jeremy embraced them!

"Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything."

Jeremy is survived in life by his father, John, and his mother Susie; brother, Aaron (wife Megan and son, William); sister, Gabrielle (husband, Joshua; son, Jackson; son, Beckett); brother, Jack (fiancé Sarah); brother, Luke; sister, Sara; grandfather, William; grandmother, Jan; uncle Mike (wife, Maralyn, daughter, Jessica; daughter, McKenzie); aunt Margaret (partner, Cynthia); aunt, Rosemary (husband, Steve; son, Christian; daughter, Mckenna); aunt, Patricia (son, Jonah; son, Joshua; daughter, Clare; daughter, Gianna); uncle, Thomas (wife, Phaedra; daughter, Tana; son, Wyatt; daughter, Lillian; daughter, Maryann); aunt, Maryann (husband, Christopher; daughter, Michelle; son, Zachary; daughter, Amelia); aunt, Christine (husband, William; son, William; son, Samuel; son, Dominic; daughter, Eva; son, Isaac).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Pass Christian, where friends may visit from 11 AM - 12 PM. Interment will be private in Barrancas National Cemetery.

The family welcomes donations to St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers at https://www.saintjosephabbey.com/donate. Or, you may contact Debb De Noux at ddenoux@sjasc.edu or 985-867-2264. Memorials may also be mailed to: Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, Louisiana 70457

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed (select the YouTube icon on the top left corner of your screen) at https://www.holyfamilyparish.cc If the link is not working, please search for Holy Family Parish, Pass Christian, MS and select the YouTube icon. We apologize for any inconvenience.