James Sutherland

James Michael Sutherland, 76, passed away on February 11, 2018 at his second home in DeLand, Florida. On Saturday, February 17, 2018, a visitation will be held at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville, Georgia, beginning at 1:00pm with a service at 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. A memorial service will be held in Shelby, NC, time and date to be announced.Mike was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 3, 1941 to James M. and Mary Morris Sutherland, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Rita; his daughters Michelle Shrewsbury of Charlotte, NC and Tiffany King of Hendersonville, NC; their spouses, Steve Shrewsbury and Matthew King; grandchildren, Stephen and Josh, and Claire; brothers, Bill Sutherland of Charlottesville, VA and Dixon Sutherland of DeLand, FL and their wives; and his beloved nieces and nephews.Mike began his career in engineering at Lockheed in Atlanta, where he met his wife, Rita. He went on to receive a Masters in Physics from Georgia State University in 1977. His work as a textile engineer moved the family to Greer, SC and then their current home of Shelby, NC.You could count on “Fossil” for a long story or a joke (or three). In his youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In high school, Mike became a gymnast and later passed his tumbling skills to his daughters. He shared a passion for golf with his friends, family, and especially in teaching his grandsons the game. He was full of love and laughter which would fill any room he entered.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Heart Association.