John "Cutch" M. Tuttle III

John "Cutch" McCutcheon Tuttle III, 46, a beloved musician, artist, and educator, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Staunton.

Born on October 25, 1979, in Waynesboro, to John McCutcheon, Jr. and Astrid Marina Heimer Tuttle, Cutch's life was marked by a profound dedication to music, art, and the nurturing of future generations through his passion for teaching and creativity.

A 1997 graduate of Buffalo Gap High School, where he was named "most likely to succeed," Cutch went on to attend James Madison University in Harrisonburg before graduating from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton with a major in graphic design.

Cutch was a well-known figure in Staunton and beyond, revered for his musical talents and his unique approach to education. He served as a music instructor at Mary Baldwin College and later brought his distinct and unconventional teaching style to the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind's Anna's House School. He taught art there and was affectionately known as Mr. T. His methods and dedication evoked the same admiration that the character portrayed by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society inspired - encouraging students to embrace their passions with enthusiasm and originality.

From an early age, music was in Cutch's blood. As the lead guitarist for his first band, the Galactic Super Spies, and later as a founding member of Hound Dog Hill Boys, he left an indelible mark on the bluegrass scene. Hound Dog's well-received albums, festival performances, and numerous awards were testaments to their talent and Cutch's commitment. Their annual appearances at the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax and the Maury River Fiddlers' Convention in Lexington remain unforgettable tributes to their legacy. Music was more than a vocation for Cutch - it was a legacy he lovingly passed on to his children, too.

Cutch's interests extended well beyond just music. An avid and voracious reader, his library could probably line a city block. He was a respected painter and graphic artist, known regionally for his exceptional murals and generosity in volunteering his time and expertise to various organizations. Additionally, his love for comic books, especially Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, poetry, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and acting in numerous ShenanArts performances revealed a truly Renaissance man with an unstoppable creative spirit.

The famous Tuesday night jam sessions at Marino’s in Staunton is a sacred space for so many artists and musicians and it was here, that Cutch also attended "church". He was a central and unwavering figure in that local music community. His passing leaves a profound void in that musical "sanctuary," resonating deeply with all who knew him.

In addition to his beloved parents, Cutch is survived by his children, Sage McCutcheon Tuttle, Sawyer Harvey Tuttle, Finn Lee Tuttle, Béla Marina Tuttle, and Violet Berg Tuttle.; his brothers, Timothy “Tim” Mack Craig and Brian Alan Tuttle; his sisters, Kelly Frances Craig and Stacey Lynn Tuttle Diehl; the mothers of his children, Shenan Harvey Hazlett and Jess Berg; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins - especially Ivan Connor and Autumn Thurnau.

He was predeceased by his sister, Kimberly Reneé Craig Connor, and his special friends, Wes Acord, Hippie Dave, and Vinnie.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. Following this, beginning at 7:30 PM, the folks at Marino’s will host a jam session to celebrate Cutch's incredible life with a time of music, songs, stories, and love.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM a memorial service will be conducted at Henry Funeral Home with Molly Murphy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Staunton Augusta Arts Center (https://www.saartcenter.org/donate), the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, Inc. (https://www.svacart.com/contactandvisit), or to the Off Center (https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/the-off-center/general_support).

Cutch's extraordinary life touched the hearts of many through his music, artistry, and unwavering commitment to artistic education. His legacy endures in the melodies he played, the artworks he created, and the lives he inspired. His spirit will forever resonate in the community he so dearly loved.