James SUTHERLAND Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

SUTHERLAND, James JAMES ALAN SUTHERLAND, ATLANTA, GA BORN: JULY 6, 1956 ARDMORE AFB, OKLAHOMA SON OF: DAVID AND KATHERINE SUTHERLAND (BARTOW, FL) DIED: MAY 27, 2013 ATLANTA, GA at Grady Hospital from complications from a pulmonary embolism. Jim was born July 6, 1956 at Ardmore Air Force Base, Oklahoma and spent his young years growing up in different parts of the world, including France and Germany. Jim graduated from Bartow High School, Bartow, Florida in 1974 and the University of Florida in 1980 where he majored in Journalism and minored in History. Jim was a renowned television journalist, starting his career at WTSP-TV (1981-1984) where he was an I-Team photographer and producer, earning three Emmy awards, three UPI Investigative Awards, the Livingston Award and the Roy Howard Award. During his time at WTSP-TV, he produced "Prisoners of the Harvest", a documentary about modern day slavery and the enslavement of migrant farm workers in Florida. For this work he was awarded Journalism's highest award, the Peabody Award in 1983. As a result of this reporting, four men were convicted of slavery in Federal Court. Later Jim worked as an International Editor at CNN in Atlanta (1984-1989),Producer at CNN's LA Bureau and at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles (1989-1991) where he received four Emmy nominations in one year, as an Assignment Editor at WSB-TV in Atlanta (1991-1993), Executive Producer at the Weather Channel (1993-1998), and as a Producer at Orbis Broadcast Group (1998-1999). From 2001 to 2004 Jim was International Editor at CNN, where he was called upon to manage coverage from Iraq and Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. From 2004 to present Jim was Executive Producer at Jim Sutherland Media in Atlanta Georgia. Jim was a single father, and during his life Sutherland traveled with his family internationally, played trumpet as part of the jazz scenes in Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, and continued to take on causes for social and political activists unjustly treated, such as medical marijuana activist Dana Beal and human rights abuses in El Salvador. He used his minor in History to produce a number of documentaries on subjects such as the Highland Clearances and WWII. Much of Sutherland's work is viewable on youtube. In his later years, Sutherland became a Social Media activist, with followers from around the world interacting on a variety of topics. As one follower put it upon hearing of Jim's death, "I will miss Jim. It is hard to imagine that I won't be reading his quips and comments anymore. He was a lovely man. I wish I had had the chance to meet him in life. We grew friendly over the last couple of years on face book and chatted about all sorts of stuff. He was very supportive and I considered him a friend over the Atlantic!" Jim Sutherland is survived by his son James Alan Sutherland II of Atlanta, Georgia, his parents David E. and Katherine Sutherland of Bartow Florida, brother David E. Sutherland II and his wife Sarah of Atlanta, sister Susan Wilcockson and her husband Joel of Lakeland, Florida, sister Holly Ann Sutherland of Columbus Georgia, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be held with the family receiving friends Saturday June 1, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, 310 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL from 10 AM to 11AM. Funeral services will begin at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation at www.SMAFoundation.org in Jim's name. Condolences at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on May 31, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jim was committed to social justice and excellence in news reporting. He was a great friend and loving father. His untimely death has left a big hole in many lives.

Leslie Bragg

June 25, 2013

Worked with Jim at WTVX West Palm Ft Pierce in the early days of the 80s and ENG. Then also at WTSP Tampa/ St. Pete. Also with Pierre Kimsey on Reunion. What he brought everyday was passion for a great story and the rock hard ethics to see it through to a major award and real change. He was cocky, so was I but never less than a gentleman to those who deserved it. Miss you fellow Gator Muckracker TV Journalist and friend!

Daniel Earp

June 18, 2013

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Mr.Sutherland. The family will be in my prayers.

Tanisha Thompson

June 11, 2013

May our Creator give you comfort during this time of sorrow. Many people are emotionally and spiritually strengthen after reading the Scriptures to learn their love one is no longer suffering. (Genesis 2:7; 3:19)

Malone Family

June 6, 2013

Rest in peace my dear friend

M F

June 3, 2013

My condolences to the Sutherland family. May you find comfort in the words of Ps. 34:17-18, our Creator promises to be near those that are broken at heart.

C. R.

June 3, 2013

My Heart Hurts for The Sutherland Family Im so Happy I got to see Jim and Holly they Came to My Deli we Had a Nice talk and He was the Very First customer to Order a Veggie sub Put every Veggie I Had in My Deli in it for Him Im praying for you all and I love the Sutherlands

Sherise Wheelis

June 1, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Eg

May 31, 2013

To the Sutherland family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers. As far as I can see, he was a very dear loved one. May you be comforted by the cherished memories of your loved one,and also may the scripture of 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 bring you comfort as well.

Leah F

May 31, 2013

I know you are at peace now, together with Jennifer and Johnny, and held in Jesus' arms. Your love and life will continue through all of us who loved you. Rest in peace, Seamus.

Connie Nelson

May 31, 2013

You were such a wonderful person. Now flying with the angels. You will be missed.

Candy Grice Stewart

May 30, 2013

Jimmy I will always remember you. And I have always been so proud of you. Love You Always

Kathy

May 30, 2013

Jim was a friend to so many around the world. If you haven't already, visit his facebook page. It is an international tribute to his effect around the glob.

May 30, 2013

I'm lost my sweet brother.

Susan Willcockson

May 30, 2013

Jim, you were a stalwart journalist and a good human being whose presence is greatly missed. We are still in shock by your sudden departure. RIP.

BRIAN NELSON

May 29, 2013

So sorry to hear about James, I never did meet him but know his family from church. I know he is in a better place may the family find peace and joy knowing he is in heaven and that they will see him again. Love and prayers to the family. Kelly Ziefel and Dorothy Pattridge

Kelly Ziefel

May 29, 2013

God Bless

Connie Harris

May 29, 2013

Rest in Peace Jimmy

May 29, 2013

Jim was always calm, collected and wise during some of the toughest days in journalism after 9/11. He accomplished what we all hope to do: He made a difference when it really counted.

Richard Griffiths

May 29, 2013

Sans Peur! You lived it Jim.

David Sutherland

May 29, 2013

In memory of a wonderful friend....

May 29, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Whidden-McLean Funeral Home - Bartow

May 29, 2013

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