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Saint Anthony, Idaho

Jay Sutton Obituary

Jay Allen Sutton, 87, of St. Anthony, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, May 9, 2013. He was born Nov. 3, 1925, in Rexburg, Idaho to Lew W. and LaVon Allen Sutton.
Jay was raised in Rexburg with three other siblings, Gail, Margie and Ken. He had many friends from his school days that he spent hours with hunting, fishing, riding motorbikes and practicing their archery skills. This group remained close through their lives, even into their 80s.
However, his favorite after school activity was working with his dad in the automotive repair shop. He joined the Marines in 1943, extending his mechanical knowledge, obtaining some medical skills and becoming a pilot. After his active duty, he served in the National Guard for 20 years.
He met LaRie Williams from Chapin, Idaho while she was attending Ricks College. They were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on Oct. 29, 1947. They settled in St. Anthony where he worked for his father at Fremont Motors. Eventually he opened his own car and truck repair business that evolved into a chain saw sales and repair shop, Jay's Tune Up. He ran this business with the help of his wife until l980, when they went on their first mission to the Philippines. They enjoyed this mission so much, that in l987, they were called to go to Texas. Between those two missions, he owned another chain saw, snowmobile and law mower repair service in Ashton, Sutton Saw Service.
After retiring, he continued to repair these kinds of engines for many years in his garage at home. He spent a lot of his free time building small airplanes, ice fishing and duck hunting with his buddies, especially Grand Chandler. He also helped Gary Bidwell conduct many funerals.
Jay served in many LDS church positions, from bishop to service as a faithful home teacher. His absolute favorite calling was as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls Temple, where he and LaRie served for 25 years.
He was also known for his quiet, caring service for his family, friends and neighbors.
Jay is survived by his wife of 65 years, a brother, Ken Sutton, of St. Anthony; and four of his five daughters, Pat (Zeph) Quirl, of Teton, Idaho; Jackie (Scott) Valcarce, of St. Anthony, Idaho; Louise (John) Nielson, of Iowa, and Bonnie (Mike) Kirby, of Vermont; 26 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Margie Chantrill; a brother, Gail; and daughter, Melinda Friedl.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the St. Anthony LDS 4th Ward Chapel. The family will meet with friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bidwell Funeral Home in St. Anthony, and Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 just prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Archer-Sutton Cemetery, where military rites will be performed by the St. Anthony VFW and American Legion. Condolences may be sent to www.bidwellfuneralhome.com.

Published by Rexburg Standard Journal on May 11, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jay Sutton

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His daughters (Pat and Bonnie (my wife))provided a candid, but sincere life sketch at his funeral. Thanks to all who offer their condolences and memories. He was more of a father to me than my own father. I'll miss the times we had. I know he is very happy now.

Mike Kirby

May 19, 2013

We just learned about Jay's passing. We loved this man. He was a stalwart for the Lord in a quiet, unassuming way.
Jerry enjoyed his years as Jay's counselor and would remember with fondness and joy their time together.

We will return in July.

Jerry & Karen Browning

May 16, 2013

Jay was a funny man who liked to joke around. I really enjoyed his company and found him admirable.

Doug Romrell

May 16, 2013

Though I didn't see him often, I shall miss him. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us, Sutton family.

Marki Allen Baxter

May 16, 2013

This is a very sad day - Jay taught me as much about repairing chain saws and small engines as he did about life and becoming the man that I am today.

He played as hard as he worked and got me to hunt and fish but to also remember mankind.

He will truly be missed.

Mike Kohrt

Mike Kohrt

May 14, 2013

He was a very nice man, I did not know him well, however I enjoyed many conversations with him.
David Loomis

May 13, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was a key member of the community when I was growing up in St.Anthony. I enjoyed working with Jay, he was a great boss (Jay's Tune-up) and a friend.

Wade Douglass

May 13, 2013

I am sorry to read of Jay's passing. He was a key member of the community and someone I always looked up to, and great boss (Jay's Tune-up).

Wade Douglass

May 13, 2013

He will be greatly missed, I will miss his hug every Sunday, and watching him take his dog for a run.

Janet Craven

May 13, 2013

Jay is such a wonderful man, and was a dear friend to my parents and to me. His sweet smile always made you feel better. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Penny Stanford

May 12, 2013

I'm sad to hear about my former bishop's passing. He always showed an interest in the youth of the ward and made me feel important. He was also my boss for a time when I worked for him at Jay's Tune-Up. He's a great man and I'll be forever grateful to have known him and had him as part of my life when I was growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

McKay Kunz

May 11, 2013

I'm really sorry about Brother Sutton. Eilene LeCheminant.

Eilene LeCheminant

May 11, 2013

I am sorry to learn about one of St.Anthony's greatest citizens passing from this earth. His sense of humor brightened every room. His example of how he served his family,community, and country will be remembered and talked about for many years. He will now be one of heaven's brightest stars and we shall mourn the loss for a short time, then rejoice in the goodness of this person and try to follow his example.
Fara Williams

Fara Willliams

May 11, 2013

Lerie,
Just wanted you to know how much I thought of Jay and those big hugs I would get at church. What a kind sweet man he was ,he willsurely be missed. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
All my love for such a good family.
Sandee Banta HOmer

May 11, 2013

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