James Edgar "Jay" Sutton Jr.

James (Jay) Edgar Sutton, Jr., age 84, died September 29, 2001. He was born February 15, 1917, in Boynton, OK, the son of James E. Sutton, Sr. and Mary Jane Hughes Sutton. Jay grew up in Boynton and graduated from there in 1935. He entered college at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, OK. He began teaching at age 19 at his hometown on a two year state certificate. On December 24, 1939, Jay married Irene Lee Powers, in McCurtain, OK. They moved to a new teaching position at Cole School, Haskell, OK. In 1941, Jay received his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Northeastern and was elected Superintendent of Schools at Council Hill, OK at the age of 24, where he remained until 1943. He was asked to come to Midwest City to assist in starting a new school in the newly formed city of Midwest City. So, along with their year old daughter, Sherrye Anne, they moved to their new home in Midwest City in June, 1943 where they would live for the remainder of their lives. Jay was elected Principal of Midwest City High School where he served for 19 years. In 1962, he became Deputy Superintendent of Schools and served until 1975. He was then elected Midwest City's only Superintendent Emeritus where he worked tirelessly in Washington to keep legislation for Impact Aid for his school district, other school districts in Oklahoma and for school districts throughout the nation as well. During his teaching career of 46 years, he was known as a person who loved people. He made it a challenge to know and love his co-workers and his students. In 1967, during the 25th anniversary of Midwest City, it was announced that the new Midwest City High School Field House, then under construction, would be named the 'J.E. Sutton Field House,' in his honor. Jay was active in many professional organizations, O.E.A., N.E.A., P.T.A., Oklahoma and National Secondary Principals Association and the Oklahoma and National Association of School Administrators. He helped organize an Oklahoma organization known as The Oklahoma Association of Schools for Impacted Services 'OASIS' and served as its president until his retirement in 1982. In 1972, he was chosen the 'Outstanding Citizen of Midwest City' as well as 'Man of the Year.'. Jay served on the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System from 1972 to 1984. For many years, he served on the supervisory committee of the Oklahoma Education Credit Union. From 1962-64, Jay was on the first Governing Board of the Midwest City Regional Hospital. He was a charter member of the Midwest City Lions Club and served as its third president. Later he became a member of the Midwest City Rotary Club and also became president of this club. Jay was also active in both the Midwest City and Del City Chamber of Commerce and served on various committees to boost these communities. Jay loved his church and his church work. He was an ordained deacon. He served as a teacher or director of young people and young married adults for 25 years. In 1988, he was elected to serve as the Director of Adult V Department of Midwest City First Baptist Church, where he served until 1995 when health problems made it impossible for him to continue. In 1992, he was inducted into Midwest City High School's Wall of Fame. On May 4, 1996, Jay was inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame. His nomination came from the 19 alumni classes of which he was principal. This was one of his most cherished honors. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, J. Russell, Charles D., Samuel B. and Warren G., and one sister, Wanda B. Good. He is survived by his wife, Irene; one brother, Archie J. of Boynton, Oklahoma; two daughters, Shenye Anne Lenington and her husband, Jerry O., M.D. of Van Buren, Arkansas, Jayne Carol Marley and her husband, David L. of Roland, Oklahoma. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Katherine G. Morris, Van Buren, Arkansas, Michael O. Lenington, Van Buren, Arkansas, Jennifer L. Bauman, Van Buren, Arkansas, Paige S. Stamps, Oklahoma City and Susannah Marley, Houston, Texas, and Samantha Harrod, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; as well as 9 great grandchildren, Brandi Morris, Kody Morris, Jacob Lenington, Caleb Bauman, Chloe Bauman, Sutton Bauman, Jessika Stamps, Jade Stamps, Kendall Harrod; and a special brother-in- law, Joe Powers; and his sister-in-law, Jerrye Turney; nieces and nephews, and a host of friends and relatives. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Midwest City, on Wednesday, October 3, 2001, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Midwest City. The family will have visitation on Tuesday, at Bill Eisenhour F.H., from 6:00-8:00 p.m.