Dr. Maurice James (Jim) Sutton

Dr. Maurice James (Jim) Sutton, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Grand Rapids, MI, he grew up on the “northeast” side of town, graduating from Creston High School’s class of 1950. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, which took him to many new and adventurous places including Goose Bay Newfoundland and Labrador where he was stationed as an aircraft radar operator. After completing his military service, Dr. Sutton returned to Grand Rapids and completed an associate's degree at Grand Rapids Junior College. This is when he met his wife of 68 years, the girl from the “west” side, Dori Nowicki. Together, they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where he attended the University of Michigan and obtained his degree from the School of Dentistry. He was also granted an Emeritus title. He was a charter member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. Dr. Sutton spent his career over 50 years serving his community as a family dentist, first in Fruitport, MI and then most of his career in Big Rapids, MI. He also taught in the Dental Hygiene program at Ferris State University. Toward the end of his career, he worked as a dentist and clinical director at the Family Health Care clinic in Baldwin, Michigan. He was an avid and proud U of M fan and alumnus. Dr. Sutton and his wife Dori raised their six children in Big Rapids, MI. He was a loving and supportive father, always attending his children’s sporting or school events. He was one of the founding members of the Big Rapids Area Junior Hockey Association and an active member and supporter of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School. Later in life he and Dori moved back to Grand Rapids to be closer to their adult children, family and friends. He loved being back in Grand Rapids and in his retirement enjoyed reading, gardening and tending to the many bird feeders he kept in the back yard. He was preceded in death by his parents; Maurice B. and Edith (Hall) Sutton, his sisters; Barbara Kersjes, Norma Bifocal and Virginia Sutton and his in-laws; Frank and Eleanor (Koprowski) Nowicki, who loved him dearly. He is lovingly remembered by his children: Tracy (Wade) Cutler, Craig (Patti) Sutton, Tod (Felicia) Sutton, Tammy Sutton, Kerry (Joseph) Sutton Maloney and James Sutton as well as his grandchildren: Jake Sutton, Brianna Sutton, Zoe (Nate) Stancroff, Isabelle Sutton, Rachel Cutler, Ean Maloney, Max Sutton, Aaron Maloney, Stella Sutton, Andrew Sutton, Frankie Sutton and his great granddaughter Elleigh Rodarmer. The family would like to thank their Corwell Health Hospice team who helped tremendously in his final months. A visitation will be held at Arsulowicz Brothers – Remembrance Mortuary, 3535 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI on Wednesday, September 10, 4:00-7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI.

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Dr. Maurice James (Jim) Sutton

July 20, 1932 - August 27, 2025