JAMES “JIM” SUTTON

James Glenn “Jim” Sutton, 80, of Mount Vernon, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Jim was born on July 12, 1946, in Riverside, California, to Leonard and Grace Sutton. With his father serving in the military, the family eventually settled in Aurora, Missouri, where Jim spent part of his early life.

On March 4, 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Jean Ellen “Jeanie” Pendleton. Together, they made their home in Mount Vernon, Missouri, where they raised their two daughters and built a lifetime of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Jim and Jeanie shared more than 58 years of marriage, standing beside one another through all of life’s joys, challenges, and more than a few unexpected adventures.

Jim worked at the Carnation can factory until becoming disabled in 1981. Despite life’s challenges, he never lost his generous spirit. Jim had a heart as big as they come and would gladly give someone the shirt off his back if he thought they needed it more than he did. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and never expected anything in return.

Jim was a proud member of Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 99, A.F. & A.M., and the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners of Springfield, Missouri. He was also associated with the Lawrence County Shrine Club. His involvement in these organizations reflected his generous heart, love of fellowship, and willingness to help others.

Fishing was one of Jim’s greatest passions. There were few places he would rather be than out on the water with a fishing pole in his hand. He loved sharing his knowledge, experiences, and stories with others and even wrote a weekly fishing column for the Lawrence County Record.

Of course, anyone who knew Jim knew about his legendary bad luck and unforgettable antics. If something could go wrong, chances were it would happen to him — usually in a way nobody could have imagined. From nearly sinking a boat to watching his own boat pass him while traveling down the road, getting crankbait fishing hooks stuck in his head, or even backing their brand-new car into the trash truck while it was picking up their garbage, Jim certainly had a way of keeping life interesting.

And right there through it all was his beloved Jeanie, who somehow always ended up coming to his rescue. Whether she was removing fishing hooks from his head or dealing with the aftermath of his latest disaster, you could count on Jeanie to cuss him up one side and down the other before helping him out of whatever mess he’d gotten himself into. After 58 years of marriage, she had certainly earned a medal for patience!

Jim absolutely loved sharing stories about his bad luck, often leaving everyone around him laughing until they cried. And as unbelievable as those adventures may sound, those were just the stories appropriate enough to put in the newspaper! There were plenty more antics, far too embarrassing, outrageous, and downright hilarious to ever make it into print. Those who knew Jim best will know exactly which stories we’re talking about.

Jim may have been the one who always found the trouble, but Jeanie was the one who got him out of it — usually after cussing him up one side and down the other!

Above all else, Jim loved his family. His daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He loved his grandchildren dearly, and the family he and Jeanie built together was one of his greatest blessings.

When Jeanie passed away on November 29, 2025, a piece of Jim’s heart went with her. After more than 58 years together, life without her was never quite the same. He was truly lost without the woman who had been by his side for nearly six decades. He missed her deeply and longed for the day they would be reunited.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Ellen “Jeanie” Sutton; his parents, Leonard and Grace Sutton; his parents-in-law, Walter and Elva Mae Pendleton; his brother, William “Bill” Sutton; his sister, Betty; and his son-in-law, Alan Walker.

He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Sutton) Walker and Lori (Sutton) Hampton and her husband, Marc; three grandchildren, Zak Sutton and his wife, Amanda, Klay Hampton and his wife, Alyssa, and Josie (Walker) Villines and her husband, Trey and six great-grandchildren, Gunnar and Parker Sutton, Charlotte, Kade, and Liam Hampton, and Piper Villines.

Jim will be remembered for his enormous heart, his willingness to lend a helping hand, his love of fishing, his unforgettable stories, and his remarkable ability to find laughter even when life didn’t go according to plan.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless stories that will continue to be told, and a family who will carry his love with them forever.

Although saying goodbye is never easy, his family finds comfort in believing that Jim is finally reunited with his beloved Jeanie, the woman he loved and missed so dearly.

And after 58 years of Jeanie coming to Jim’s rescue, we can only imagine her waiting for him with open arms, shaking her head, and wondering what in the world he’s gotten himself into this time.

A graveside service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pritchett Cemetery near Halltown, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

The service will be led by Jim’s dear friend, Max Springer.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Jim’s memory, share stories, and celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.