James J. Guptill

James J. Guptill, 70 of Spicer, died on December 26, 2025 at the Paynesville Heath Care Center in Paynesville after a long battle with cancer.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.                        

James Joseph Guptill was born on August 23, 1955 in Glencoe, MN the son of Robert and Karoline (Baumer) Guptill.  He attended elementary in Minneapolis and high school in Glencoe and Hutchinson. In 1982, James and Gail Aretz began a life together, eventually getting married on August 1, 2003.  They made their home in Willmar, Atwater and Spicer where he worked as a Mechanic for many years. He finished his working career as a Well Driller for Thein Well from 2006-2020.  James enjoyed working on cars, cooking (they called him “Chef Tell”), fishing, driving his Camero, and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandkids and pets.  James was known for always helping someone in need and being the glue that kept everything together.

James is survived by his wife, Gail; children Sabrina (Adam) Lere of Spicer, Jennifer Macik of Hector, James Guptill Jr of Willmar, Nichole Aretz of Spicer, Stacey (Matt) Drexler of New London, Nathan Guptill of Spicer and Shawn (Micahella) Guptill of Melrose; 12 grandchildren and sisters, Phyllis and Frances, and numerous close family friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, grandson Jack and brother, Robert. 

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