Obituary of James John Sutter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather James (Jim) Sutter. Jim was born in Wiarton Ontario on January 11, 1943; the second child of Morgan and Helen Sutter. His childhood years were spent on the family farm near Spry, Ontario.  Jim completed elementary school in Spry and started Highschool in Lions Head.  When in highschool, the family sold the farm he completed his education in Chesley.  Like many young men of the time, he headed to Toronto to secure work at the conclusion of his formal education.

In 1965, he met a young German Nursing Student named Margaret Mones.  They were Married July 1^st 1967.  Their first son Mark was born in March of 1968, and Peter, their second son, soon followed in January 1970.   In the early years they lived and work in Toronto.  Jim was the production manager for Snell Grove Industries while Margaret was a scrub nurse at the Toronto General Hospital.  In 1970 Jim and Margaret bought a cottage in Eugenia Ontario.  When they tried to build a garage, Jim discovered there was a gap in construction supply service.  Always the businessman, Jim with his brother-in-law Bob, opened S and S Timber Mart in Flesherton in the spring of 1973.  It was that same year they moved to Eugenia full time, living in the cottage they had purchased in 1970.  In 1975, they purchased the old brick McKee farmhouse where they lived until they retired to Kimberly BC in 2003. 

When remembering Jim, he was the consummate business man.  He took great joy in building his business and being part of the Flesherton business community. He understood the importance of community, supporting the construction of the community hall, and minor baseball.   He was a long-standing Kinsmen participating in numerous volunteer endeavours.  For a past time, Jim and Margaret were avid skiers and members of the Beaver Valley ski club until their son’s grew up. 

When their son’s moved to the Alberta and BC, Jim and Margaret began looking for property in BC to be closer to them.  They were drawn to Kimberly, BC due to the close proximity to the ski hill and golfing.  Starting in 1998, they spent their winters in Kimberly and summers in Ontario.  They moved full time to BC in 2002.  A year later they built their dream home with panoramic views of the Rockies, and a driveway from hell.   Jim and Bob sold the lumber yard and retirement was filled with traveling, golfing and skiing. 

Health issues marked Jim later years which restricted his ability to travel and be active.  Complications post a surgery left Jim with reduced Kidney function.  He started dialysis three times a week in 2011.  Two years ago, he was declared legal blind as macular degeneration robbed him of his eye site.  

On October 8,2024 Jim passed peacefully at the Cranbrook hospital.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years Margaret Sutter (nee Mones), Sons Mark (Bonnie), Peter (Kim), grandchildren Bess and Cole Sutter, Sisters Linda (Bob) and Marlene, brothers Stanley (Donna) and Doug (Jeanne).

He was predeceased by his Parents Morgan and Helen (nee Jenks), and brother-in-law and business partner Bob Sinclair.

Anyone wanting to make a donation in Jim’s honor can do so at one of two charities; Seeing Eye organization  C/O T8059,  Box 8059 STN A, Toronto, ON, M5W 3W5 or call 647 479 4251 to donate  or the East Kootenay Foundation for health EKFH.ca

A service in Jim’s honour will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 2:00pm at McPherson Funeral Home in Kimberley B.C.