Jeremy Putnam, 41, received his angel wings September 20, 2022. He fought a long painful battle with addiction from which he attempted many times to break free but wasn’t able to. He gifted his family with a last phone call, sharing how much he loved us and saying goodbye before choosing to leave life on his own terms (not due to an overdose).
Born February 22, 1981, in Brunswick, Maine, Jeremy grew up on Chebeague Island and attended Cumberland schools. When he was little, he was rarely seen without his thumb in his mouth until, after getting braces, Orthodontist Dr. Holdsworth, bribed him with ten dollars to stop and he never sucked his thumb again! He loved competitive sports and played baseball, hockey, and lacrosse. Jeremy had many friends, especially in his younger years. You could hear him coming well before you ever saw him, yelling ‘Ma!’ and you could always follow a trail of wrappers or food to find where he had been. He had a great sense of humor, loved jokes and pranks, only his mischievous smile usually gave away that some trouble was brewing. He loved children, especially his son Nathan, his girlfriend Kasey, and all kinds of music.
Jeremy always had a generous heart. Whenever there was an animal Jeremy was drawn to it. As a boy he had cats but begged for a dog until we gave in. His childhood dog Sally would loyally follow behind him even when he mowed the lawn. He recently shared a rescue kitten with Kasey and spent hours playing with it.
However, Jeremy faced challenges as young adult, including an addictive personality which eventually affected both his mental and physical health. Through trying to deal with his addictions, he developed special bonds with many social service groups in Southern Maine such as Greater Portland Health, Preble Street Resource Center, Mercy Recovery, Milestone Recovery, and I'm sure many more. We thank them for their respectful treatment and help. Through Operation Hope (via the Scarborough Police Department) Jeremy was able to go to a rehab center in Arizona for treatment which were some of the happiest days of his adult life. He had recently acquired an apartment, a loving girlfriend, and was starting to get his life together. But the continual addiction pull became too difficult for him.
Jeremy is survived by the light of his life, his 13-year-old son Nathan Hill Putnam, his girlfriend Kasey, paternal Grandfather Shelby Putnam, Mother Nancy Vachon and husband Jim, Father William Putnam and wife Julie, sister Ruthie Putnam, nieces Alyssa, Bella and nephew Liam, brother Jeffrey Putnam and wife Beth, nephews Cole, Gage and Kaden Putnam, special aunt Ruthie Noble and fiancé Chuck Mc Catherin, aunt Jennifer Cummings and husband Ian, and uncle Bob Putnam.
We also wish to thank Detective Johnson of the Lewiston Police Department and the Lewiston EMT’s and Paramedics who answered our call for help.
Jeremy lived in two communities that were both very special to him so we will have two services. We would love it if people could wear something bright or colorful. A celebration of life reception is planned for Saturday October 15, 2 - 5PM at Valhalla Golf and Recreation Center in Cumberland and a small gathering on October 16 at 1PM on Chebeague Island for family and Island friends, where he will be interred in the Chebeague Island Cemetery. We will gather at the Birkett’s house after where Jeremy will be remembered and fondly missed by his devastated family and friends.
We are requesting in lieu of flowers any donations go to Milestone Recovery in Portland, Maine as they were a lifeline to Jeremy many times over the years.
For online donations go to www.milestone-recovery.org/donate a drop down menu will have in memory of Jeremy Putnam. Checks can have in memory of Jeremy as well and go to 65 India Street, Portland, ME 04101
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