CRESTWOOD, Ky. — Close friends say bank employee Jim Tutt was nearing retirement before his life was taken by a coworker in Monday’s mass shooting.

Southwest Christian Church in Crestwood is where Chad Childress wanted to talk about his longtime friend Jim Tutt, who became his next-door neighbor 22 years ago.

“The Lord is telling me, this is the spot, and this is the time, so let’s do it here. So that’s why we ended up here,” Childress said.

This family photo shows Jim Tutt, 64, with his wife and two daughters. (Tutt Family)

Tutt was guided by his faith in every aspect of life as a husband, father, leader and friend, Childress explained.

“Jim was a man of faith. His wife Karen, his children, and this speaks volumes to who he is and what he was as a man,” Childress added.

They began as neighbors and, over time, the two families became close friends. Together, Childress recalls, he and Tutt would help each other finish home projects. They would watch UK games together as Tutt was a very proud University of Kentucky alumnus.

Childress and his wife and the Tutts belonged to the same bible study group. “Generous beyond means,” Childress described the couple.

Tutt was also an avid sailor, getting on the water as often as he could. “He loved to take his kids out sailing. They loved it,” Childress said.

Jim Tutt, 64, was killed Monday during a workplace shooting in Louisville (Tutt Family)

Tutt was shot and killed Monday along with four of his colleagues at Old National Bank in Louisville.

The site of the tragedy has become a memorial in the hours and days since. Crosses bearing the names of the five victims stand on the steps on the bank. The crosses are adorned with messages of support and condolences.

Flowers surround the steps as well, delivered to 333 West Main following a vigil held at the Muhammad Ali Center on Wednesday.

In the wake of a horrible tragedy, Childress says family and friends are surrounding Jim’s wife Karen with love, driving to Kentucky from Florida and flying from California.

“Just an overwhelming response of: ‘we’re here to love on you and do whatever we can for you because it’s unthinkable,’” Childress said.

As neighbors, Childress says Tutt was an energetic and gracious host. The families bonded over yard work, cookouts, sailing and their faith. One day, he says they will be together again.

“We know one day we will see him. We don’t know what day that will be, but that gives us hope,” he said.

Jim Tutt was 64. His friends say he was considering retirement to spend even more time with his family and friends.

Funeral services for Jim Tutt are scheduled for this Sunday at Chapel in the Woods in Louisville.