James Robert Suta

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, James Robert Suta (66 years old), passed away at Northern Pines Nursing Home on Thursday, February 5, 2026, after a long, hard battle with cancer.

James was born in Shelby, Montana, to Louis and Juanita Suta. In his early years, Jim worked on the family farms with his dad and brothers. On November 20, 1975, James married the love of his life, Elaine McAlpine, and the two soon welcomed a baby boy, Blaine Suta.

After leaving the farm, Jim and Elaine bought and operated the Sundries in Sunburst, and then Jim worked in the oilfield for 7 years as a pumper and supervisor. During this time, they welcomed two daughters, Patrica and Jennifer. James left the oil field and worked for his father at Suta’s Supply, later purchasing and running the service station for a few years. In 2000, James and Elaine moved to Cut Bank, MT, where James worked as Cut Bank City Superintendent until his retirement in June 2025.

James was proud of his work in public service. He enjoyed working with budgets and getting towns profitable. During his years in Sunburst, he was a member of the Coutts-Grass Lions Club, a volunteer for the Sunburst Volunteer Fire Department (17 years), held positions on the Sunburst City Council, and served multiple terms as Sunburst Mayor. While in Cut Bank, he served on the Tri-County Water Board and the Cut Bank City-County Planning Board.

James loved to fish, hunt, golf, and play pool. He was a member of various golf and pool leagues in Sunburst and Shelby. He also had an affinity for recycling scrap iron, spending hours outside breaking apart radiators, valves, and various other pieces to separate the brass and copper from the iron. After he retired, James planned to spend his summers camping and fishing across Montana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Elaine Suta, son Blaine (Raylee) Suta of Cut Bank, daughters Patrica (Randy) Gillett of Helena, and Jennifer (David) Habets of Chester. Sister Mary Ann (Bruce) Watters of Valier and brother Richie (Pam) Suta of Sunburst and grandchildren Ethan Habets, Katelyn Suta, Isabelle Habets, William Suta, Carter Gillett, and Bailey Gillett. Plus, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rudolph and Margaret Suta, and William and Gertrude Cook, his parents, Louis and Juanita Suta, and brothers Leslie and Terry Suta.

A celebration of life with ice cream and brownies will be held at a later date. James was cremated by Asper Funeral Homes in Shelby. His ashes will be spread at a future date by his wife and children.