James A. Lutz, age 98, passed away on September 6, 2025, at Evergreen Health Care Center in Shawano, Wisconsin.  James was born on July 4, 1927, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was the son of Leonna and Lloyd Lutz. He attended schools in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1945. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 through 1946. At the end of the war, he was stationed on a destroyer headed for Japan. Upon returning from the service, Jim worked for 40 years for Wisconsin Auto Supply which later became Sieg Auto Supply. He began working in Wisconsin Rapids and moved to Shawano in 1955 to become the store manager.

On November 25, 1950, he was united in marriage to Adeline (Tooty) Maslowske. He served on the Shawano City Council as First Ward alderman from 1959 to 1970, including two terms as president of the City Council. James was instrumental in the initial development of the Shawano Industrial Park. He was a member of the Fish and Game Club, the Lions Club, and the Holy Name Society of Sacred Heart Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He later served on the Police and Fire Commission, finishing as Commission President. He was a member of the local Post of the American Legion and Forty & Eight. James was also a frequent member of their color guard.  He was an avid outdoorsman, community volunteer and neighborhood handyman.

Jim is survived by his three children, Michael (Carol) of Middleton, Patrick (Diane) of Beaver Dam and Kim (John) Hoffman of Shawano; a sister Jackie Brown of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandchildren, Kristie of Los Angeles and Justin of Madison.

He was preceded in death by wife Tooty; his parents; his brothers Richard and Marvin; and his sister Ruthie.

Funeral service for James will be held at 11:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday September 12, 2025. Visitation at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 at the church. Entombment will be held at Sacred Heart Mausoleum. Memorials can be made to the Navarino Nature Center, W5646 Lindsten Rd. Shiocton, Wisconsin 54170 or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Shawano, Wisconsin. Swedberg Funeral Home of Shawano is handling arrangements.