SUTTON, James Alfred

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Saturday, October 9, 2010 James Alfred Sutton, “Jim,” 78, passed away peacefully Oct. 5, 2010, at The Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City. He was born Jan. 30, 1932, in Fayetteville, Ark., to Charlie and Eula (Couch) Sutton. Jim fought hard against prostate cancer for more than 18 years, always maintaining an inspirational attitude. He was determined to live his life at full throttle and cherish all of the people who surrounded him. He was very active in his lifetime — a lifeguard as a teen, running more than 25 marathons, surfing, sailing, skiing and riding his motorcycles all over the continent. Just a few months back in July, he rode his motorcycle on a day trip from Sun Valley to Salmon, Idaho. He also volunteered his time at the Lake Havasu City Human Society throughout the past few years, just spending time with the abandoned animals. He was a dedicated family man and was blessed with a loving family. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Juana Lupe (Gallardo) Sutton. Jim also is survived by five children, including Mark, 55, of Santa Barbara Calif., Christy, 52, of Santa Cruz, Calif., Ross, 49, and his wife Kristy, Jim II, 48, and his wife Nancy, both of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Gary, 47, of Maui, Hawaii. In addition, he has nine grandchildren, Brandon, 30, Ashley, 26, Nicholas, 20, Austin, 20, James III (JT), 17, Sean, 17, Stone, 17, Kein, 14, and Samantha, 13. Jim and Lupe had resided part time in Lake Havasu City since 1970, although they had made Lake Havasu City their primary residence since 2003. They have lived in Costa Mesa and Capistrano Beach, Calif., when their children were younger and moved to Hailey, Idaho, in 1988. Jim was a successful car dealership owner since 1951, opening his first car lot in Southgate, Calif. Throughout the years, he had new car dealerships in Orange County, Calif., and most recently, Sutton & Sons Auto Center in Hailey, Idaho. Jim was loved and admired by his family and friends and will be missed. He always enjoyed his life and lived by his life motto: “Too much fun!” A celebration of Jim’s life will be scheduled at the Refuge Country Club within the next month. Mailing addresses, as well as thoughts, memories and condolences to the family may be submitted and found online at www.lakehavasumorturary.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked to direct any donations to the Hospice of Havasu, www.hospicehavasu.org. Arrangements were under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory. It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. — George S. Patton, Jr. The journey is the reward. — Tao proverb