Timothy Hugh Sutphen was called home to glory in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 17, 2021. He was born into this world on October 9, 1954. He lived in upstate New York until August of 2020, when he and Nancy moved to Traverse City, Michigan to be near their son Jeremy and his family. He was married to Nancy on September 23, 1978 and had three sons—Timothy, Jeremy, and Benjamin—and eight grandchildren. Together, they devoted their lives to building a home and family on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
At the age of 30, Tim experienced the greatest life-changing event of his life: he became a born again Christian. This, the start of his spiritual journey, he became fully alive for the first time and dedicated himself to rigorous Bible study and the pursuit of knowing God. He faithfully served his church family at Loudonville Community Church during his attendance of 30 years in the roles of usher, elder, and teacher. As the high school Sunday School teacher, he influenced hundreds of young people over the course of 20 years of teaching.
Tim worked for Price Chopper Supermarkets for 33 years, and started a second career as a private security contractor for a number of years before retiring in 2020. His vocation was not his identity, but rather a means by which to serve God by providing for his family and by reaching others. He loved to mentor those around him, investing in their lives, and always eager to share the greatest hope for living—Jesus.
Tim was a family man in the all the best ways. In the context of family, he enjoyed watching Giants football on Sunday afternoons, building a deck and shed with his boys, smoking cigars with his brothers, and at all times ready to go deep with anyone willing. He was available to his boys whenever and however they had need of him. He helped them walk through life's difficulties in a personal way and applied the wisdom of God's word to every situation. Nothing brought a proud smile to his face more than being with his children and grandchildren.
Tim was a devoted husband to Nancy; father to Tim (Sarah), Jeremy (Kelli), Ben (Lindsay); grandfather to Titus, Abigail, Micah, Madeline, Katelyn, Chloe, Emmilyn; son-in-law to Barbara Sutphen; brother to Robert Sutphen, Matthew (Mary) Sutphen, and Susan Vogt, Jennifer Sutphen; Uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews; and friend to all whom God brought across his path (too many to count and name – you are all so important!)
Tim was a strong leader and courageous man who always spoke the truth, maintained his integrity, and had a tender heart towards others. He will be greatly missed, but as he was keen to faithfully remind us: this world was never his home. He was always ready to go be with his Lord and Savior—and so he is!
A funeral service to honor Tim will take place on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM at East Bay Calvary Church in Traverse City. Visitation, with light refreshments will take place from 10:00 AM until the beginning of service. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. To view the service on livestream please visit https://live.eastbaycalvary.org/ .
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tim's memory may be made to Thrive Medical Clinic (Crisis Pregnancy Center) 121 South Garfield Ave. Suite C, Traverse City, MI 49686 or to Deerfoot Lodge (Christian Camp for Boys) PO Box 228, 134 Lodge Drive, Speculator, NY 12164.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Timothy and his family.