The Sutton Family in 1976. Back, Andrew Sutton, wife Betty Sutton, foster daughter Denise Robinson née Jackson, Jim and son Peter Sutton. Front, Sharon Sutton, Mark Sutton, Michael Sutton and Chris Sutton. Photo: Sutton Family Collection.
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On Friday, October 25, the funeral of the late Jim Sutton of Yarroweyah was held at the Yarroweyah Memorial Hall.
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Jim was a stalwart of Yarroweyah and well known to many in Cobram, Numurkah and the surrounding districts. He was a quiet man who left a deep impression on many. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 13.
William James (Jim) Sutton was born on August 6, 1936, the fourth child and third son of Walter William Sutton and Annie Christina Sutton, née Black. He was born at home on the family farm ‘Wal-Ann’ near Mywee and Strathmerton.
He grew up as one of a family of six children, a brother to Jean (Phillips), Walter (Wally), John, Lucy and Don.
A family story relates that he ran around as Willie Sutton, the bank robber. This was not welcomed by his mother, Annie, and he was thereafter known as Jim. Willie Sutton was a notorious United States criminal known for robbing a large number of banks.
He commenced his early education at the Mywee State School, to which he, his brother and sisters would travel together on horseback. It was here that his sense of humour and impish nature would show. On one occasion, he turned the school clock forward by one hour. This was in the 1940s, when few would wear a wristwatch and mobile telephones did not exist. As a result of this act, the class were let out of school and returned home an hour early. For this, he received a lashing the next day.
After Mywee, he went on to Numurkah for his secondary education. He wasn’t interested in more academic studies and displayed a keen interest in mechanics and more practical skills. Unbeknown to his parents, he would board the school bus for Numurkah and disembark at Strathmerton. He would visit one of the local garages and learn some of his skills there.
Jim Sutton in 2023 with siblings Don Sutton, Jean (Phillips), John Sutton and Lucy Whitby at the Yarroweyah Football and Netball Club. Photo: Sutton Family Collection.
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He was caught out one day when his parents called the school to get him to pick up something and bring it home. They were informed he hadn’t been at school for some months.
After completing his schooling, he joined George Bond in Cobram, as an apprentice diesel mechanic. Having completed his apprenticeship, he purchased the Yarroweyah Garage, which had been conducted by the brothers Ralph and Ernie Caygill. Jim’s brother, Don, later joined him, and Sutton Bros operated until 1980.
It was more than a mechanic’s business and petrol station, as light engineering work was also undertaken. A number of farm machinery items were made, including trailers, augers, drills, diggers, grain and hay elevators. Some are still around today.
On February 17, 1962, he married Miss Betty Cox at the Numurkah Methodist Church. The first my grandparents knew of this relationship was when he inquired if he could bring his girlfriend to the wedding of his sister, Lucy Sutton, to Cliff Whitby.
Their initial meeting was fiery as they met at mutual family friends, the Clark family. There he deflated her tyres and pretended to put water into her fuel tank.
He could always be relied upon to help others in need. He was late to his own wedding, as he had helped someone out with their car.
Jim and Betty went on to raise a large family. The family included Peter, Wendy, Andrew, Chris, Sharon, Michael, Mark and Carolyn. Tragically, Wendy was born premature and survived only briefly. Jim and Betty would also later foster Denise. The family now includes 19 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a fourth due in December.
After Sutton Brothers ended in 1980, Jim and Betty purchased a dairy farm from the McLellan Family in McArthur Rd, Yarroweyah. This was sold in 1984 after Jim contracted leptospirosis. They moved to Green Lane, Koonoomoo, before eventually moving to their final property at Yarroweyah in 2002.
Jim played football with the Yarroweyah Football Club, along with his brothers Wally, John and Don. His playing days were cut short due to an ankle injury.
He was also a member of the CFA, serving as a firefighter between 1961 and 2000. He received his 40-year service award and remained a member until 2015.
“Dad told me that Jim Sutton kept a lot of the soldier settlers afloat during hard times. If people couldn’t pay, he would still do the job and tell them to pay later when they were able to,” a family friend said of Jim.
Patrick Kenny, a former Yarroweyah local now living in Cairns, Queensland, related the following.
“A great man and a Yarroweyah icon, Jimmy Sutton has passed away this week. A few years ago, he turned up unexpectedly at my office in Cairns. He travelled by bus from Clifton beach to my office in Edmonton (a good 80-minute trip). He had no idea where my office was, but he found it. We chatted for an hour, then we walked over to the bus stop and waited for the return trip bus to arrive and left again,” he said.
“It shows how his determination always got him places … sadly missed but reunited with Betty, his wife.”
Over the past few years, Jim restored a 1953 Massey Harris tractor. This was a passion project that exemplified his determination and spirit. As his health declined, he was assisted by his son, Mark Sutton, alongside grandchildren Braydon, Makaya and Kyran.
He was loved by his great-grandchildren and known as “Tractor Pa”.
If success is measured by the esteem others hold and their respect, then Jim was a wealthy man. Another told me on Friday that “no-one can recall a bad word against Jim, only positive comments”.
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