Calvin James “Jim” Sutton
Calvin James “Jim” Sutton, 87, of Francesville, passed away at 2:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on Sept. 13, 1928, in rural Gilboa Township, Benton County, to the late Benjamin and Annabelle (Shultz) Sutton.
Jim graduated from Gilboa High School in 1948. He married the love of his life, Velma Hoppe, on March 10, 1950, in Wolcott. She survives.
Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a cook on a Navy ship during the Korean conflict. He was a 61-year member of the Francesville American Legion. Until his health began to fail, he participated in military honors for numerous local veterans.
Jim retired as a lineman supervisor from NIPSCO after 32 years. At NIPSCO, he was fondly known as Cal to his co-workers and friends. Cal was a very hard worker, who was well respected for the way he could handle his crew and always complete the job (even when it was done his way).
Before working for NIPSCO, Jim worked as a farmhand. After retirement, he worked as courier for Alliance Bank, truck driver for Ginrich Elevator, delivery man for Red Carpet, and driver for Parkview Haven Retirement Home. He also worked with his son Alan at Sutton Graphics.
Jim was a former Scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Goodland and Medaryville. He enjoyed teaching Scouts many important life skills was very influential to many young men. He especially enjoyed the camping and pinewood derby races.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and taking care of his lawn. He was very handy and was known to mark his tools in his own special way with blue paint.
Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a mentor and a friend who you could always count on. He will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his wife Velma Jean (Hoppe) Sutton of Francesville; daughters: Charmi [Danny] Bishop of Francesville, and Beth [Chris] Cummins of Francesville; sons: Daniel [Cindy] Sutton of Francesville, and Alan [Lori] Sutton of Francesville; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; sister Sarah Fields of Wolcott; brother David [Leanne] Sutton of Wolcott; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Lewis and Annabelle (Shultz) Sutton; brothers: Benjamin Sutton, Joshua Ewing Sutton and Robert Sutton; sisters: Bertha Nottingham and Lorena Poindexter; and aunts: Hazel Wright, Lloyd Collins and Judy Johnson.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel-Francesville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel Francesville, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will take place in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be given to Franciscan Health Rensselaer Hospice.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.