James "Jim" Muttini
May 04, 1943 - April 21, 2026
Obituary
James G. Muttini, 82, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026.
Born on May 4, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. Jim was the beloved son of Joseph and Sophie Muttini. He grew up in Chicago and attended Lane Tech High School. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966. On July 30, 1966, he married his longtime sweetheart, Lynn Bonowic, in Chicago.
Jim was known for his kindness, humor, and generous spirit. He built a long and respected career as a union sheet metal worker, contributing to several notable projects, including the Sears Tower in downtown Chicago, Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
Outside of work, Jim lived life fully and with curiosity. He was a master scuba diver and enjoyed kayaking, motorcycle riding, bike riding, fishing, and RV travel. He was also a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder and loved cheering on his team. His creative talents were many: he worked with stained glass, was a woodturner, and taught himself to play both the harmonica and the banjo. He built a canoe and a banjo, and even crafted the interior of his family's home, reflecting his creativity, craftsmanship, and love of the outdoors.
Jim had a deep passion for adventure. He participated in the Paddle and Portage, MDA Harley-Davison Ride for Life, and embraced life as a hobby farmer. He also found joy in life’s simpler pleasures, including gardening, baking, and making homemade pasta.
A man deeply committed to giving back, Jim volunteered with the Big Brothers Program, and also at local food pantries in DeForest and Sun Prairie, and Rockport Texas during the winter months. He found joy in mentoring young readers in kindergarten and first grade. He also served with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Rescue Dive Team. His love for people extended beyond borders, as he and his family welcomed exchange students from Spain, France, Switzerland, Norway, and Italy into their home.
Jim will be remembered for the way he made people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for and for the adventurous, creative, and generous life he lived.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lynn; his daughters, Marlene Muttini (Edward) Spyros and Christine Muttini; his grandson, Demetrius James (named after his grandfather) Longmire; his sister, Laura Muttini and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sophie Muttini, and his brother Thomas Muttini.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m., including military honors with flag folding and the playing of Taps.
The family would like to sincerely thank the UW Health Oncology team for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they showed Jim throughout his journey. Jim was especially touched and honored to take part in a Badger Honor Flight, an experience that meant a great deal to him and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunshine Place Food Pantry, 18 Rickel Road, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 or Mission Nutrition Community Food Resource, 691 South Main Street, DeForest, WI 53532.
Jim’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he so freely gave.
To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250