Keep your loved ones close.
The only non-commercial crematory in the Texas Hill Country.
We are local, we care.
Jessamyn Putnam is a Licensed Funeral Director. Born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, Jessamyn served as a U.S. Diplomat in Bogota, Colombia, Rome, Italy, and Washington, D.C. before negotiating with potential suppliers in Latin America on behalf of H-E-B. Jessamyn also lived and worked in Portland, OR, as Senior Manager of Trade Finance Analytics in NIKE Inc.’s Treasury Department. Jessamyn has a M.A. in International Trade and Investment Policy from George Washington University, a dual B.A. in Economics and Foreign Service from Baylor University, and a Certificate in Funeral Directing from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service.
Chris Putnam is a licensed funeral director/embalmer who opened Putnam Funeral Home in 2000 and established Putnam Crematory in 2006, making it today’s only Highland Lakes crematory. He was born and raised in the Texas Hill Country and began his career in Austin before settling in Kingsland in 1999. Chris is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Northcentral University. He obtained a M.B.A., and a B.A. in Business Administration, from Ottawa University, as well as a diploma in Funeral Service from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service.
The Putnam team remains actively involved in the Highland Lakes Community and places the same level of care into our community as we do into our client families.
Jessamyn Putnam
Cremation Advocate
Chris Putnam
Cremation Advocate
Embalmer
Ph.D.-B.A. Candidate
CFSP
Brittany Carrington
Cremation Advocate
Notary
Embalmer and Certified Burial at Sea Expert
Brittany Carrington is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Texas Notary, Certified Crematory Operator, and Certified Burial at Sea Expert. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from New Mexico Highlands University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, she went on to graduate as Valedictorian from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services in 2017. While attending the Institute, she was voted Chaplain of the Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity as well as the Psi Epsilon Class Chaplain and was voted by her peers as the Bill Pierce Award recipient for excellence in funeral service.
Brittany balances her work-life with a great love for the outdoors. Kayaking, camping, and four-wheeler riding are at the top of her favorite pastimes. She also has heart for children and enjoys teaching Sunday School and interacting with children. Brittany is a member of the Lion’s Club and Business Network International and the American Association of Notaries.
Elijah Heatley
Cremation Advocate
Notary
Embalmer
Eli Heatley is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Texas Notary, and Certified Crematory Operator. Eli is a third generation funeral director and a 2015 graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service where he served as the president of his class and was the recipient of the Bill Pierce Award for excellence in funeral service. Eli is an endowed member of the Kingsland Masonic Lodge, and a member of the American Association of Notaries and carries a Notary Public Commission with the State of Texas. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the Buchanan/Inks Chamber of Commerce from 2016-2018. In his spare time Eli enjoys camping, off-roading, hunting, fishing in the Highland Lakes, and making quick trips to the coast to fish the surf and jetties. Eli has been married for ten years and has one daughter that will graduate high school in the spring of 2018.
Jim Simmons
Cremation Advocate
Notary
Jim Simmons is a licensed Funeral Director, Texas Notary, Insurance Agent, and certified Crematory Operator. Jim has distinguished himself in several different careers that have centered around customer service. Jim has been licensed as an electrician in the State of Texas and has been a general construction contractor as well as working with many Fortune 500 companies for a high tech firm in customer support. He graduated from the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. Jim volunteers with a local volunteer fire department and helps drive veterans and their families to doctor’s appointments with VetRide, and is a member of the choir at his church. Jim enjoys gardening, working on computers, and working in the shop with metal or wood. He also enjoys being a mechanic and getting his hands dirty. Jim loves to fish, travel, talk with friends and be with family and enjoys good BBQ. Jim is also a member of the American Association of Notaries.