Obituaries

Jay Lynn Sutton passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Kinross on August 11, 2026, at the age of 79. He led a full life and still had so many plans—no amount of time ever feels like enough.

Jay—or Lynn, to folks above the bridge—was raised in Raco, Michigan, by Jay and Leona (Kinsella) Sutton, alongside his five siblings. He graduated from Brimley High School in 1965. He had countless fascinating and hilarious stories from his upbringing that he loved to share—from causing a little havoc with his best buddies, twins Donnie and Ronnie Carrick, to the time he came across a bear while fishing, dropped his pole, ran, and never looked back. He would always end that story with a grin: “Now don’t forget, you’re not supposed to run from a bear!” He was a natural storyteller who could capture any room he was in.

After high school, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany.

Jay married Arla Pesola in 1971—he was a lucky man and knew it. Together, they built a home and a life in South Lyon, Michigan, on a little patch of paradise where they raised their three daughters. Suffice it to say, he was completely gray-haired by his mid-20s!

Jay was a hard worker and owned and operated J.L. Sutton Siding and Trim until his retirement. Through years of hard work, he was proud to provide for his family and see all three of his daughters through college. A testament to just how proud he was, their three graduation photos were still tucked inside his wallet when he passed.

He couldn’t have dreamed up a better life than the one he provided for his girls. Summers were spent on the pontoon boat, managing endless hooks and worms for the little women in his life; falls were spent in the fields hunting with noisy companions who somehow managed to step on every stick; and winters brought meticulously maintained sled runs and ice rinks in the backyard.

Jay could make anything—from homemade Barbie Dreamhouses to complete decks, even into his mid-70s. He had a vision for everything, and nothing went to waste. He enjoyed canning with his wife and took pride in a good batch of no-bake cookies or vinegar taffy. He also loved to garden and could be found there nearly every summer evening, watering and tending to it—even after a full day’s work, with barely any light left in the sky.

Jay was an avid University of Michigan sports fan. He and Arla often made their way to Michigan football and basketball games together, sharing a love for the Wolverines that remained with him throughout his life.

He was an avid hunter, but even more than that, he had a deep respect for conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. Over the years, he rehabilitated countless birds and animals and taught those around him to appreciate the small things in life—like watching a patched-up nuthatch finally fly away into the trees. Wood ducks returned to his home each spring, filling the dozens of nesting boxes he had built and placed throughout his yard. “Crybabies,” as his wife affectionately called them. Per Jay, there were to be no quick movements near the windows in the morning for fear of scaring them away. He eventually bought the marshy property next door to ensure they—and other wildlife—would always have additional protected habitat.

Jay believed in God, but he would tell you that you didn’t need four walls to find Him—his church was in nature, among the woods and wildlife he loved

Jay is survived by his three daughters, Tara (Mike) Mann, Cori (Harry) Joseph, and Cassey Sutton (Todd Kolodziejczak); and six grandchildren, Jorie, Mikey, Conner, Sydney, Gabriel, and Mason. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arla Mae Sutton; his parents, Jay and Leona Sutton; and his grandson, Findley Jay Sutton.

In keeping with his wishes, the family will honor his life privately, with no formal services planned.

Remember me with a smile,
with a story and a laugh.
Think of me in the woods,
in the garden, beneath an evening sky.
Don’t remember the day I left—
remember all the days I lived.

Condolences may be left at www.familylifefh.com.