James A. Sutton
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. - James Alfred Sutton,
"Jim" 78, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010,
at The Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
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 inspiring 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 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 is also survived by five children
including Mark (55) of Santa Barbara, Calif., Christy
(52) of Santa Cruz, Calif., Ross (49) and his wife,
Kristi, 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, Ashley,
Nicholas, Austin, James III (JT), Sean, Stone, Kein and
Samantha.
Jim and Lupe moved to the Sun Valley area in 1988
when Jim and his sons purchased the GM dealership in
Hailey, Idaho. They have lived in Flying Heart Ranch,
outside of Hailey and in Twin Falls over the years. They
have always maintained a second residence in Lake Havasu
City, Ariz., since 1970 and made it their primary
residence in 2003. They have lived in Costa Mesa and
Capistrano Beach, Calif., when their children were
younger before moving to Hailey.
Jim was a successful car dealer 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 of "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 under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary
and Crematory.