Jimmy Lee was born in Pontiac, MI to Elwin and Ruth Sutherland on September 1, 1950. He graduated from Pontiac High School Class of 1968. He played men’s basketball at Oakland University from 1968-1970. He worked as an independent contractor/project manager for real estate developers across Southeast and Northwest Michigan, followed by a specialty in kitchen and bath design. He loved to grill and loved being on the water in Lake Michigan, hosting family and friends for special trips to Petoskey and the UP. He loved sports and his beloved Michigan teams; he would travel any distance to watch his daughter compete. He later moved to Wickenburg, AZ and was heavily involved in the community: he walked for 10+ years for the annual Wickenburg Breast Cancer Walk; he was a sponsor for Camp Imagination at the Del Webb Center; he volunteered Thanksgiving Day for dinners at the local legion hall; he volunteered his time and talent every week doing handiwork for friends and local residents, and his door was always open. He never met a stranger, and he was eager to give back however he could.
He is preceded in death by his father Elwin L. Sutherland, his mother Ruth Sutherland, his sister Maxine Sutherland, his brother Elwin W. Sutherland, and his beloved dog Diego.
He is remembered with love by his daughter Michelle Perri, his son-in-law Michael Perri, his former wife Kathy Sutherland, his sister-in-law Rowena Sutherland, his extended family across Michigan and Ohio, and his friends who are like family in Wickenburg, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Memorial services to celebrate the life of Jimmy Lee will be announced at a later date.
The family and friends of Jimmy Lee wish to extend our sincere thanks: to Wickenburg Community Hospital and Banner Estrella Medical Center, both excellent providers in care; to Advantage Funeral Services Maryvale, for their quick action and detailed care. We would also like to extend our utmost thanks to Deb, Tana, Lee, Jill, Ruby, Tina, and so many others who have helped us navigate the most difficult circumstance from afar.
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