I was born September 26, 1952 in Port Arthur, TX to James Edgar and Jewell Yvonne Aaron Sutherlin.  Except for my time at Texas A&M University in College Station, I have spent my entire life in and around Port Arthur.  My mother retired from the City of Port Arthur after serving for thirty-one years while my father was a letter carrier in Port Arthur for nearly 20 years prior to his retirement. With my enduring passion for coastal fishing and hunting, there is no place I would rather call home.

As the Upper Gulf Coast Wetland Ecosystem Project Leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, I was based at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area near Taylor Bayou for twenty-five years before retiring in 2015. My career at Parks and Wildlife complemented my interests in both wintering migratory and resident non-migratory waterfowl, especially mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula), and allowed me to carry out my love for the outdoors in ways that I hope will benefit generations of hunters and anglers to come.

I have enjoyed the many pleasures of my friends; sister Elizabeth Anne Coakley (Ron); brother David (Annie); my two sons, Aaron (Molly) and Kendall; and most of all the love of my life, my soul mate, my wife, Lynne Lange. I was blessed with two remarkable grandchildren, Harper and Levi.

Initially diagnosed in June of 2010, I have been battling a rare blood cancer known as multiple myeloma.  My family and I have put up the good fight and are forever appreciative to the teams at MD Anderson who have provided exceptional support.

Arrangements have been made at Levingston Funeral Home, Groves, TX, for visitation on Sunday, November 18 from 3 – 5 PM, and memorial service on Monday, November 19 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ducks Unlimited or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.