Jack E. Sutherlin passed into his promised eternal life on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at Gilbert Mercy Medical Center in Gilbert, Arizona from a week-long battle with COVID-19 Virus.
He was born in Michigan City, Indiana, to Fred J. and Norma (Tilden) Sutherlin, on Aug. 4, 1946. Jack graduated in 1965 from Elston High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam in 1967. Jack was a decorated veteran who served with honor and distinction.
In January 1968 he married Jacqueline (Strieter) at St. John’s Lutheran Church in La Porte, Indiana. Their union was blessed with two children, Jeffrey (Alexandra Krause) Sutherlin, Gilbert, Arizona and Allison Sutherlin (Timothy) Sternberg of Perrysburg, Ohio. He was blessed to be a grandparent to six grandchildren; Christian Sutherlin, Myka Sutherlin and Gabriel, Joshua, Benjamin and Samuel Sternberg.
Jack worked as a journeyman electrician for NIPSCO in Michigan City, IN for 19 years before moving his family to Arizona in 1987, where he was employed by Salt River Project as a journeyman substation high voltage electrician until he retired in 2010.
He is survived by his wife Jackie of 52 years and one sister, Patricia Stanley of Knox, Indiana. His parents and brothers Richard and Robert preceded him in death.
Jack was a strong family man who loved coaching Little League Baseball as well as girl’s and women’s softball. He loved studying American military history. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan and enjoyed woodworking in his home workshop. He was an active member of Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church in Gilbert, Arizona; he and Jackie worked diligently to honor our many church veterans every year at special Veterans Day services. Jack was firmly grounded in his Christian faith. He took great delight and love in watching his six grandchildren grow and become fine young citizens with bright futures ahead of them. He was a wonderful and highly dedicated husband and father and a most loving grandfather who loved God, family and country. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Although Jack was taken from us suddenly, he is at peace with his Lord now with no more battles to fight. May God grant rest to his beautiful and gentle soul.
Our hearts go to Jacks family. Take comfort in knowing he in the Loving Arms of His Savior.
IWe just feel so privileged, in retrospect, to have met Jack, and his precious wife, Jackie, over this past decade, through his family living in Central Oregon, at the time, and being able to worship with them in Greenfield and visit twice, socially, while traveling. His grown children and grandchildren are exceptional young people of whom he was rightfully proud. BUT his love of country, family, as witnessed in his life, smile, pride, and his fervent Faith made a lasting impression and glowing candle, as a beacon for God’s love, reflected in him…and his smile.
Prayers have been coming and will continue.
Jack was certainly one of the good guys. He loved his family with every fiber of his being. We cherish the wonderful memories of the good times. Miss you dear friend. ?
Heartfelt prayers for family. So thankful we got to know Jack. He was a rock of support for his dear wife, Jackie and family. He had such a fervent devotion to the Lord. We will miss you, Jack, but will treasure the memories.
Jack was a a truly special man. My family is so very sorry to hear of his passing. We knew him only for a short time, but he became family to us and we were truly blessed that he came into our lives. Thank you Jackie for encouraging him to reach out to us. We are forever grateful.
My condolences to Jack’s family it was a pleasure working with him at SRP. RIP
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Knew Jack in High School, he was a great guy. May God bless you and keep you in his presence till you meet again.
Sending sympathy and prayers to the Sutherlin family.
We are sorry and saddened by your families loss.
Very sorry for your families loss. I knew Jack in High School and always considered him to be a great guy.
I knew Jack from High School. Great guy.
Sorry for your loss. Keeping all in thoughts and prayers.
My condolences to your family. I first met Jack in 9th grade at Barker Junior High. I watched him play baseball. He was a wonderful person. We lost touch in high-school. RIP Jack .
Blessings to the entire Sutherlin family. Jack and I became friends in grade school. Rode together when Jack first started with NIPSCo at Bailey station. Great sense of humor. I go by the home you built on Bleck Rd., daily. Always think about Jack when I go by.
Robert and I send our sincere condolences to the Sutherlin family. Working with Jack at SRP for many years was always a pleasure. Lots of good time and memories of our days in the Transformer Shop. Thoughts and prayers during this tough time. RIP Jack!
Our prayers and condolences. I enjoyed working with Jack at SRP. His smile was contagious. RIP my friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Jack for many years in the Transformer Shop. He used to tell me I was a guppy in a sea of sharks. Even after he retired and would come visit the shop he would say “Guppy, you still swimming with the sharks”? I am very grateful for the time we got to work together. Prayers to the family.