Retired Chief James Franklin Sutton Obituary in Wadesbaro at Smith's Funeral Home

Obituary For Retired Chief James Franklin Sutton

The husband, the father, the grandfather, the friend, the leader, the mentor, the trailblazer, the history maker, the supporter of many…

James Franklin Sutton, son of the late Albertus Sutton Sr. and Mrs. Allene Sutton, was born October 14, 1940, in Monroe, North Carolina.

He was a graduate of Winchester High School.

As a young man growing up in the Quality Hill neighborhood, he always had aspirations of being a soldier. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. Directly following basic training, he joined 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Division. While serving in Okinawa, he was assigned to the Military Police.

In 1963, he reenlisted to undergo Raider training. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In 1965, he was deployed to the Dominican Republic for Operation Power Pack.

After being honorably discharged in 1967, he joined the Monroe Police Department. He studied criminology at Central Piedmont Community College, police training at Charlotte Police Academy, and police supervisor courses at North Western University. He became trained in fire safety when the police and fire departments became one entity, the Public Safety Department, in the 1970s.

During his thirty-year service with the Monroe Public Safety Department, he was promoted from patrolman to sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, and Assistant Chief. He ultimately retired as Chief of Public Safety in 1997.

He was a devoted husband and father of four. He was also an avid golfer, fisherman, and artist. In his later years and in his last days, his greatest hobby was creating pictures for his granddaughter, Noella.

On July 17, 2024, God needed a soldier, someone faithful and true. So our father, our protector, answered the call as he always had before without fear, hesitation, or delay.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Ann, four sisters, Mrs. Ruby Vinson, Mrs. Sarah Sutton, Mrs. Allene Meadows, and Mrs. Odessa Nelson, and two brothers, Mr. Austin Sutton and Mr. Albertus Sutton Jr.

He is survived by his loving daughter Cesandra Baker (Mono), two sons, William Sutton (William and Anthony-grandsons) and James Heath (Penny/ 12 grandchildren), loving daughter Dana Sutton, loving and faithful God son James Massey III, and a special God granddaughter Noella Harper Williams, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

The Services to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Retired Chief Sutton will be on Friday, July 26, 2024, 11:00am, Benton Heights Presbyterian Church, 2701 Concord Highway, Monroe, North Carolina 28110. Interment will be in Lakeland Memorial Gardens, Monroe, North Carolina.

The Sutton Family will greet family and friends on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 10:30-11:00am at Benton Heights Presbyterian Church.

Retired Chief Sutton's remains will lie in state from 9:30am to the funeral hour on Friday, July 26, 2024 at Benton Heights Presbyterian Church, 2701 Concord Highway, Monroe, North Carolina 28110.

The public viewing will be on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4:00-6:00pm at Smith's Funeral Home.

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Rest in peace, Uncle James. Your presence in my life was a blessing that I will carry with me forever. From the warmth of your actions to the wisdom you shared, every moment spent with you has left an indelible mark on my heart. I'll always remember your comforting smile, the way you could brighten any room, and the genuine kindness you showed to everyone around you. You were more than just an uncle; you were a guiding light, a source of strength and love that I could always count on. As I reflect on the countless memories from my childhood, I realize how profoundly you helped shape who I am today. Your legacy of love, compassion, and wisdom will live on in me and in everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. I miss you deeply, and I will honor your memory every day. With all my love, -Terry Lackey

I knew him as Sergeant Sutton when I was in his squad with MPD. He was a very good man, easy going, confident and always there when you needed him. He was a role model for all of us. RIP. Jan Hunter

RIp Mr James Sutton u were a prime example of what a chief should be n humble Man

My sincerely condolences Mrs Cassandra's Sutton Baker n family on the loss of her father n pillow of monroe police Dept very humble n Gentle man he definitely not like sme of the officers I see now days RIP Mr Sutton u are the prime example of what a chief is n should be

Chief Sutton is reason why I got into law enforcement. He was a great supervisor and person. He will be miss !!!!!!
Purnell Sowell

On behalf of Myself and the staff of Anson County Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family at this time. We pray that you will have comfort in the midst of your pain and peace in the midst of your sorrow. Sheriff Howell

My heart ache because my dearest friend is no longer with us. May God always and forever strength, comfort, and give the Sutton family the joy that God said will come in the morning. From Dorothy Davis (Howard)