James Joseph Gutowski age 94. Of Free Soil, Michigan, died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 14, 1930 in Manistee, Michigan son of the late Jacob and Frances (Oleniczak) Gutowski. During his high school years, he was employed at the Kroger Store in Manistee. Jim was a graduate of St. Joseph High School with the class of 1949. He then was employed at Radtke Plumbing before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served as a corporal, stationed in Washington, D.C. to protect the U.S. Capital. He served during the Korean War, from March 14, 1951 until March 13, 1953. Jim married Charlotte Ann Robinson on September 17, 1955 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee. After his release from the army, Jim was employed for 27 years at the Michigan Tool Company in Manistee, until the company closed its operations in Manistee. He also was employed for a short period of time with the Rengo Oil Company. He then worked at Pandrol Jackson Inc. until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement Jim also helped at Cabot Auctioneering.

He was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee, (Guardian Angels Catholic Church). While at Guardian Angels Church he was an usher and an active volunteer for the churches many events and activities. Jim was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans of Manistee.

He is survived by his wife of over 69 years, Charotte A Gutowski of Manistee, his son and daughter in-law, Kenneth and Dee Gutowski of Manistee, his daughter, Kay Evans of Free Soil, his grandchildren, Erika, Alexandra, Natasha and Jakob Evans, his great grandchildren, Ethan, Tristan, Inari, Ishaia and Julitte, two sisters, Catherine Tomczak of Canton and Jeanette Weaver of Macomb and his sister in-law, Linda Gutowski of Muskegon. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his, daughter Kristen Marie Gutowski, parents, Jacob and Frances (Oleniczak) Gutowski, his sisters and brothers – in-law, Mary and Edward Williams, Florence and Barney Rockwell, his brothers and sisters -in-law, Edmund "Mickey" and Cecilia Gutowski, Richard and Shirley Gutowski, Gordon and Maureen Gutowski, Bill "Valentine" Gutowski, and his brother in-law, Bill Tomczak and his father in-law and mother in-law, Miles and Anna (Moser) Robinson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend James Bearss celebrant. The members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council Ritual Squad will give Military Honors, at the Church, after the funeral Mass. Final interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee, Michigan.

Relatives and friends will pray the Rosary on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where the family will receive friends on Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until leaving for the church at 10:40 a.m.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.