Jimmy Gene “Jim” Sutton, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN. He was born November 18, 1937, to the late John and Luetta Tipton Sutton.
He married Janet Christine Schaeffer and began his lifetime career in oil and gas business, going on to start several companies. Retiring from his last one, Sutton Enterprises.
He loved his family, fishing both salt and fresh water, traveling, collecting and selling antiques, and his golden retrievers, Bourbon and Tequila. Later his love for St. Bernard’s filled his house.
He became blind around 1997, and learned to continue doing as much as possible. He said, “I don’t see with my eyes now, I see with my heart.” Becoming deeply interested in learning all he could about the bible and Christianity, listening to radio sermons, speakers, and books on tape.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Robinson (Charlie) and Kimberly McDaniel (James); one son, Kevin Sutton; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Jobe Sutton and Mary Jane Schaeffer Sutton; five grandchildren, Heather Stary (Jason), Chris McNichols, Alex Robinson, Eric Robinson (Jessica), and Jason McNichols (Suzy); one great-grandson, Oliver Robinson; several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Janet Christine Schaeffer Hippert in 2001; brother, Terry Wayne Sutton in 2015; sister, Frances Sutton Boyhon in 2011; and one daughter, Valerie A. Sutton in 2021.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Melanie Staggs, director of Keestone and her staff, for all the amazing and loving care. He was very happy during his time there. Also, a special thanks to Pastor Steve Flippo with Meadow View Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg, TN.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Keestone of Lawrenceburg, 322 Kennedy Street, Lawrenceburg, TN, with Steve Flippo officiating and music by Patty Evans.
