06/16/2026
A tribute for James LaMonte The Indy Golden Girls very own Sophia, from his Husband Jeremy Tuterow who also plays Dorothy.
This photo was sent to me this morning by a friend (thank you Job for sending), and it immediately made me smile through the tears. It captures him so perfectly, standing beneath the stage lights, completely in his element. The theater was more than something he enjoyed; it was a place where his creativity, passion, and spirit could shine. When I look at this image, I see the person so many of us knew and loved: A director, creative, story teller, friend, dad, papaw, mentor, great cook, host, and Husband.
As we are navigating this unimaginable loss, I want to share that less than 48 hours before his passing, we learned that he had Stage four lung cancer. The diagnosis came as a complete shock to both of us, and everything happened far more quickly than anyone could have anticipated.
He always used to tell me that it was “him and I until the wheels fell off.” I told him I wished we had better wheels. The truth is, we had wonderful wheels. We shared 18 beautiful years together filled with love, travel, family, friends, and countless memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Neither of us could have imagined how suddenly our journey together would change. I truly believed we would have so much more time. He was so full of spirit and love for me, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and our most wonderful and amazing friends.
As I look at this photo, standing beneath the spotlight that he loved so much, I can’t help but think of it as his final bow. The stage was one of the places where he felt most alive. While my heart will always wish for one more scene, I know the performance he gave in this life was always worthy of a standing ovation.
I hope that from time to time something will remind you of Jim and it will bring a smile to your face. We will have a viewing on Saturday the 20th from 1 pm to 5 pm at Lauck & Veldhof Funeral and Cremation Services. located 1458 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225.
Goodbye my Love, and thank you for giving me an amazing 18 years, for keeping me laughing, for being my number one travel companion, and most of all thank you for loving me. I will miss you so much. My Always and Forever.
