James B. Sutton

Published in The Birmingham News on 6/4/2008.

SUTTON, JAMES B., 79, of Vestavia Hills passed away on June 1st, 2008. He is preceded in death by his wife, Faye Guy Sutton and his father, George C. Sutton. He is survived by his mother, Nelladean Sutton; his daughter, Jamie Penny (Steve) and two granddaughters, Jessi and Katie.

After graduating from Ensley High School, James was signed to play baseball by the St. Louis Cardinals. After his professional baseball career was cut short by tuberculosis, he began a career in data processing at Baggett Transportation Company and continued that career at Birmingham Trust National Bank (BTNB) where he became involved with the Data Processing Management Association (DPMA). He held various offices within DPMA, including the office of International President.

After leaving BTNB, he transitioned his data processing career into sales and joined Dixie Data Processing Supplies.

James loved sports (football, baseball, basketball, golf, the Kentucky Derby and Nascar), westerns, and a good steak. He loved his Lord and was a member of Metropolitan Church of God. He also loved people. He was a true "people person" with a warm, generous, fun-loving personality. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout's Elmwood Chapel. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Elmwood Chapel. Ridout's Elmwood Chapel is directing.