Jack Sutter

Marion High School

JACK SUTTER Jack Sutter (1925-2011) had a remarkable athletic career that was characterized by achievement, longevity, and a sense of fair play. His induction into the Grant County Sports Hall of Fame makes the Sutters the first family to have three members inducted individually as he follows sons John (2014) and Joe (2012). Jack graduated from Marion High School in 1943 and was a letterman in basketball, tennis, and football. His three year varsity basketball career included being ranked #1 in the state for part of his senior year and a trip to the elite 8 (finals of the semi - state) of the state tournament that year where they lost to eventual state champion Ft. Wayne Central. Jack enlisted in the US Army Air Force immediately following his high school graduation and was most proud of his service to his country during World War II. He was selected for the Air Force basketball team and played extensively in the Western States after returning from his deployment to Europe. Upon discharge from the service, he enrolled at Purdue University where he was invited to play basketball for the Boilermakers. He declined the offer in order to focus on studying business and dairy courses so he could join the family business in Marion where he later became President of the Sutter Dairy Co.  Jack was an active member in the business and civic communities before resigning his position in 1970 and returning to college. Jack was 46 when he made his career change which began by resuming his college education and enrolling at Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University). He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in education in 1974.  He and his wife Jean then moved to Florida where he designed and taught the first public school program for behaviorally challenged boys in Palm Beach County. The program was considered successful and subsequently utilized by school systems in other counties in Florida. During his time at Marion College, he was the captain of the Marion College tennis team competing in both singles and doubles. Jack’s accomplishments and contributions were recognized by his selection as the Marion College Athlete Scholar of the year in 1974 at the age of 48. The current tennis complex at IWU bears his name - The Jack G. Sutter Tennis Center.  Jack is survived by his wife - Jean; children - John, Joe, Julie, and Jan; and 11 grandchildren, most of who participated in and enjoyed the benefits of athletic competition. Jack’s reassuring and encouraging attitude toward family and sports undoubtedly contributed greatly to their experiences. It is likely that his positive influence will continue to be passed down for generations to come.