James E Sutton

Our lives are like a musical composition- the notes are the people, places, events and memories that we have experienced throughout the years. In this song of life, James E. Sutton was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, James preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. A free spirit, James also believed that actions spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he would do. James seemed to live with a definite sense of purpose, but he perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him at any given time. He was a man who was always ready to share his creativity with those around him.

From early on in his life, James had a flair for the creative. He was born on May 4, 1933. He first greeted the world in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Milwaukee County Hospital. His parents were Everett and Edith Sutton. He used his imagination in most things he did while growing up. As a young child, James was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. He was the type of person who rarely called attention to himself, but would rather let his creative output speak for itself. However, when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

All throughout his life, especially in his familial relationships, James showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person who got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with two step siblings. Two older step-brothers, Jack and Gordon Foucault. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

Early on in his school years, James showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, his formal education did not provide James with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often become “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was well-known amongst his teachers and friends. He graduated from Bay View High School in 1951. James really enjoyed Science. James was involved in the Science Club.

For James, the teen years were not all about academics, though. There were a number of creative outlets for him to enjoy outside of the classroom.

Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of James’s, you understood how true of a friend he could be. James was a self proclaimed "loner" but would hang out with his older brothers and their girlfriends.

In college, James showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary in order to succeed. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, he was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. In fact, his creative flair helped him to develop some innovative and original solutions as well as well-crafted presentations. His ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. James earned his Bachelors degree in Mathematics. James pursued graduate school but did not complete his masters before moving to California (taught @ U. M. Instead). His favorite courses were Mathematics and Economics. His favorite pastime in college was hours and hours of chess or bridge when not studying. In college, James joined the Economics club.

While it was true that James’s creativity found a whole new world of expression in college, much of his new pallet could be found outside of the classroom.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, James had the ability to become completely devoted to another soul when that affection was returned. This was very true when he met Dorthy Jean Berkholtz. They married in March 1958 at UCC Congregational Church in Delavan, Wisconsin. Being together, no matter where, was for his, the very best thing he could imagine.

James was a man who took great pride in upholding his beliefs. He took an active role in his community because of his convictions. A loyal contributor, he was a member of several community groups. He was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment. Throughout his life, James was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Since he had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships, he was seen as a valued member of any organization.

James was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much of a playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative playtime. He had three children, Elizabeth, Catherine and Nancy. It wasn’t uncommon for him to find himself brimming with pride and joy over his children's accomplishments.

Though James’s creative and artistic flair always made for an interesting and exciting home, he made sure to provide a safe and nurturing place for his children to be raised.

Because he loved the world around him, James enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to relax, to visit new places and experience new things. He tried to personalize just about all of the planning that he put into the family's trips. Favorite vacations included trips to the beach. He loved the ocean. One great vacation was a Huntington Beach Rental House during the 1976 Summer Olympics and the USA Bicentennial year.

Later on in his life, James was also blessed with four step grandchildren, Jennifer, Robert, Kenneth and Desiree.

James found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. He brought his creative flair with him whenever he went to work. While some of his methods may have been a little unorthodox at times, he was generally able to enhance any work task with a new and imaginative approach. His primary occupation was working as an Economics Professor at Cal Poly University - Pomona. He was employed for 46 years and served as Chair of the Economics department and 2 terms as Associate Dean of Arts.

Though he wasn’t the type of person to draw attention to himself, James did appreciate the accolades he would sometimes receive. James was willing to jump in and do whatever it took to get the job done and make a meaningful contribution.

James tended to be a team player, and thus made a number of friends in the workplace.

James enjoyed his leisure time by engaging in various hobbies. He had a number of favorite pastimes, some of which included chess, reading and movies. While he was the type of person who enjoyed working alone on his hobbies, he was always willing to share his interests with others.

There were many things in James's life that brought a smile to his face. James was an active member of the U S Chess Federation, Pasadena Chess Club , Arcadia Chess Club. He bragged that he was a member of the "Procrastinators Club"! His favorite sports teams were University of Wisconsin football, LA Rams football and Dodgers baseball.

In these later stanzas of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain. James was a supporter of the Democratic Party. He was not involved in local politics, but loved to read and discuss U S and World politics.

James Sutton left us on March 28, 2011. He passed away at home. He was seventy-seven years old. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy. He is survived by his children Elizabeth (Mark) Beattie, Catherine Sutton (Richard Wolfe), ex-wife Dorthy Sutton, brothers Jack and Gordon and his grandchildren. Services were handled by Custer Christiansen Mortuary with a Memorial Service at Cal Poly University - Pomona.

This is where the song of life has taken James E. Sutton. He was a kind and good man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He conducted his life with a unique rhythm and harmony all his own. He leaves behind him a treasury of lifelong friendships and wonderful memories. James always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. James was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember James E. Sutton with a kind thought and a warm heart.