Commander James P. Sutherland, USCG RET

December 30, 1940 - September 2, 2024

Store owner James Park Sutherland (Jimbo/Big Muffin) passed away Labor Day 2024 in a beautiful room overlooking Little Traverse Bay dotted with playful watercraft, on gorgeous blue bird afternoon.  Jim was surrounded by his wife Carolyn, and many exceptional and loving friends after being transported earlier that morning.

A retired officer in the U.S.C.G. and aircraft commander flying both fixed wing and rotary who saw combat in Vietnam, Jim's lifetime dream was to achieve eternal peace at Arlington National Cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements

Jim's burial with full military honors was held march 26, 2025, 3pm at Arlington National Cemetery and was covered by the ANC Public Affairs team.  Thank you to our many friends who traveled from across the US to attend.  It was a spectacular day celebrating Jim's service to our great nation.  Jim is interred in grave 1615, Section 81 on Lewis Drive, named for American lighthouse keeper Ida Lewis, noted for her heroism in rescuing people from the seas.  Lewis made her first rescue in 1854, at age 12, saving the lives of four men.  Jim's location at Arlington is notable.

Arlington National Cemetery Burial Link

CDR James P. Sutherland, USCG RET ANC Burial  - March 26, 2025

Arlington National Cemetery Blog Link

"Coast Guard Vietnam Veteran Laid To Rest Where He Always Wanted to Be" - April 4, 2025

Donations

Donations may be made in Jim's name to the following organizations:

R.F.C. Fire & Rescue
Our local team of all volunteer emergency responders.  Please make checks payable to R.F.C. Fire & Rescue and note "In Memory of Jim Sutherland".
8338 West Robinson Road
Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Tunnels to Towers Foundation
Honoring America's first responders, veterans, and their families for over 20 years.  Donate online at t2t.org and reference "In Memory of Jim Sutherland, 1075 N Lake Shore Drive, Good Hart, MI 49737".

Wounded Warrior Project
Supporting the lives of injured veterans, their families, and caregivers.  Donate online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org and reference "In Memory of Jim Sutherland, 1075 N Lake Shore Drive, Good Hart, MI 49737".

Obituary

Petoskey News-Review - March 14, 2025

Harbor Light - March 19, 2025

Memorial Video Link

CDR James P. Sutherland, USCG RET

USCG Museum Contributions

We are thrilled to announce that Jim's treasured collection of audio tapes and other artifacts from Vietnam, his endless photos, slides, propoganda, documentation, and other various military memorabilia have been deemed "pure gold" by the team of archivists at the Office of the Historian, USCG Headquarters, Department of Homeland Security in DC.  We are currently in process of cataloging all items before transit.  Below, an initial snippet of audio from one of hundreds of "living letters" Jim sent to his family during the Vietnam War.  It's our honor to donate these items to the USCG Museum in New London, CT for forever preservation.

Listen to Jim aboard a USCGC patrol boat during Operation Market Time, during the War in Vietnan (audio)

2025 Legacy Gathering in Good Hart

Join us Friday, July 18, 2025 5-8pm in "Downtown Good Hart" for picnic fare, live jazz, and good old fashioned camaraderie like Jim always loved.  The open house picnic will begin at 5pm.  Stop by, share a story, and visit with Carolyn, Ami, and friends.

Jim Sutherland Legacy Gathering
Friday July 18 (Sunday July 20 Rain Date)
5-8pm and Beyond (because it's Good Hart and the party never stops)
Good Hart General Store Picnic Area
BYOJS (Jimbo stories)

Contact

Cards and memories may be shared with his wife, Carolyn by mail or email.

Carolyn Sutherland
1075 N. Lake Shore Drive
Good Hart, MI 49737

maggie@goodhartstore.com