James "Jimmy" Suttle

James Bruce Suttle, affectionately known as "Jimmy," was born on April 7, 1953, in Champaign, Illinois, to Ollie and Gertrude Suttle. He entered his eternal rest on March 11, 2026, at the age of 72.

James was a graduate of Champaign Central High School and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. He took pride in delivering newspapers as a young boy and later pursued business ventures, including selling Stacy Adams shoes. He also valued health and fitness, enjoying working out, walking, and playing basketball.

James had a deep love for family and friends and remained connected to those he cared about throughout his life. From a young boy to his early 20s, he was a member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshiped under the pastoral leadership of Rev. A. G. Gregory and Rev. William B. Keaton.

Standing at 6'3", James was affectionately known as a "gentle giant." He was kindhearted, warm, and full of humor, bringing joy to those around him. He loved writing poetry inspired by Scripture and enjoyed sharing it with family.

In his later years, James relocated to Mattoon, Illinois, where he found joy in reading his Bible daily, spending time with loved ones, dining out, taking walks, and periodically returning to his hometown of Champaign to reconnect with family, friends, and familiar, cherished places.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dave Suttle; his sister, Donna Gore; his grandparents; and other cherished loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving sisters, Victoria Jackson and Lynn (Emmett) Braxton; his Aunt Clara Bright; cousins James Hemphill and Gwen Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Graveside Service:

A graveside service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 1803 N. Coler Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, on April 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Danny Jenkins of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Scripture:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten, and though we mourn his absence, we find comfort in knowing he now rests in the presence of the Lord.