Residents of Perry County are mourning the death of James (Jim) Sutterer, a man of whom it was said “knew no strangers and whose smile could light up a room.” He passed away on Sept. 25 at the age of 76 with his family beside him.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Sutterer served his country with courage and determination, having returned with an Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medal. A lover of horseback riding, boating, ATVs, convertible and motorcycle rides, as well as adventures with family and best friends, he was known for living life to the fullest.
Sutterer was a Perry Country commissioner for 12 years and spent much of his time with comrades at the Missouri National Veterans’ Memorial.
Recalling his time serving with Sutterer on the county commission, Jay Wengert, District 1 associate commissioner, said, “I was fortunate to serve with Jim on the county commission for four years. He was very passionate about his work. His drive and determination were an inspiration to everyone, and his experience as a mechanic was of great value to the county.
Jim was a friend to everybody. I kept in touch with him and talked to him often. It was God's time, I guess. He'll be missed.
Perry County Clerk Jared Kutz shared his fond memories of Sutterer, saying, “Jim wasn't just a commissioner to me. When I became county clerk, and he was on the county commission, I had already known him for the largest part of my entire life because he was the father of one of my close friends growing up. So, whenever I became county clerk, he was always willing to help me and help guide me through any questions I might have. Never once did I see Jim on the wrong side of an issue.
“For him, it was right or wrong. Jim would say, ‘It's just the right thing to do.’ I watched him do that repeatedly over the years. He was an absolute pleasure to work with. He always had a smile, but he could get downright serious. Even up until the last time I saw him, a couple of months back, Jim would bring up things that happened when he was on the commission that was still stuck in his craw a little bit. He's not just going to be greatly missed as a colleague, but more importantly as a friend. I'm fortunate to have gotten to work with him in the years that he and I were both in office.”
A devoted father and grandfather, he cherished his family and friends with equal measure.
Jim is survived by his wife, Velma; his children, Chad (Liz) Sutterer, Kim (Austin) Elder, and Kurt (Ashley) Sutterer; his grandchildren, Kennedy, Brooke, and Willow Sutterer, Trenton and Katelyn Elder, Grady and Bo Sutterer. He is also survived by his siblings, Barb Klump, Ginny (Stanley) Schweiss, Tom Sutterer and Denny (Joyce) Sutterer, sister-in-law; Joan Sutterer.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Elfrieda (Buchheit) Sutterer, his brother Rick Sutterer, and brother-in-law Allen Klump.
Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville. It will continue from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Friday at the church, followed by Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., with Rev. Joe Geders C.M. officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville, with Military Honors provided by Delta Team and V.F.W. Post #4282.
Memorial Contributions may be given to Missouri’s National Veterans’ Memorial or St. Vincent Food Pantry. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
