James "Shakey" Tuttle, 75, of Brainerd, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born on December 6, 1950, in Brainerd, the son of Robert C. and Mardella R. (Nelson) Tuttle. Shakey was a "wild child" in the best sense—full of humor and mischief that carried through his entire life.

He had a magnetic personality that drew people to him, forming many lasting friendships. He had a special gift for cultivating relationships, and his children came to realize later in life how blessed they were to be surrounded by the strong network of support he created.

Shakey spent most of his life working as a truck driver. When he wasn't on the road, you could often find him pulling tabs or scratching off lottery tickets. Recently, he completed construction on a home he was incredibly proud to call his own.

He is survived by his children, Penny (Brian) Farber, Timothy DeRosier, and Jamie Ruikka; his siblings, Judy Kayala, Debbie Dano, Linda Allord, and Susie Albertson; and his half-brother, Garry Goedker.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jaime; his parents; and his brother, Bill.

The family will honor Shakey's life with a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Oakland Cemetery, south of Brainerd.