Henry James Sutherland departed this life on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at Life Care Center of Grandview, MO.  He was born on February 25, 1949, in Greenwood, MS to Marie Sutherland and Ivory L. Bryant. He was the oldest child of Marie and the only child of Ivory. He accepted Christ at an early age at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Greenwood, MS.

Henry was raised in Greenwood, MS and attended McNeese and Stone Street Elementary, Threadgill Jr and Sr. High School. He graduated in 1968.  He was affectionately known to many as "Henry James" or "Skint".  While attending school, he played sports that would eventually give him the opportunity to earn college scholarship offers. He played basketball, golf, and was a great baseball player. He was a part of the first baseball team at Threadgill High School that would go on to play for a state championship. As a young man, Henry would come to Kansas City and work during the summer.  He would stay with his Uncle George Sutherland.  They were so close that people always thought they were brothers.   Henry later joined in union with Jimmie Lee Richmond (Blakey) and they resided in KCMO.  He was a member of the United States Army Reserves in the early 70's.

He was a hard worker and often shared stories with his children and grandchildren about how he worked various jobs while going to school and helping his mother with his younger brothers and sisters.  He had a paper route, assisted at a concrete company, and worked as a caddy at the country club. At that time, no blacks were allowed at the country club in Mississippi other than to work. Henry would soon learn the game of golf and it would be the sport that would change his life forever. He caddied for famous golfers, Calvin Peete and Tom Watson. He believed that if you work hard, then you can play hard and golf was his thing.  Over the years, he would go on to win tournaments, participate in golf trips/clubs, and teach many family members and friends how to play the game. He even taught golf lessons.  Golf was something he was truly passionate about. He was a member of the Heart of America Golf Club in KCMO.

For over 40 years, Henry worked as a route driver for several commercial brand companies. In August of 2000, he relocated to St. Louis, MO and married Shirley Meadows.  Before his illness, he was still an active driver for Hertz Corporation in St. Louis.  Henry joined The Clinic Deliverance and Worship Center under the pastoral leadership of Tony Farr.

Henry was a "mover" and loved to travel. He was the sociable guy that knew everybody and everybody knew him, whether young or old.  He often spoke of his upbringing in Greenwood, MS.  His siblings would say that he was like a "father figure" to them and instilled a lot of values in them while growing up.  His children and grandchildren were his world and he loved to speak about them and their accomplishments.  He loved his family and his family loved him.

Henry left his mark on the world and in our hearts. He made the decision a few years ago to have his body donated to medical science research, a noble gesture that many admire about him.  He will be missed by many and we know his Spirit is joined in Heaven with his father Ivory; sister, Maria, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.  He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his mother, Marie Sutherland of Greenwood, MS; four daughters, Renee' Sutherland of KCMO; Tara Christion of San Francisco, CA; Christy Matthews (Terry) of Memphis, TN; Serina Sutherland of Detroit, MI; 1 son, Henry Jamal Sutherland (Tasha) of KCMO; four granddaughters, Alyssia, Taylor, Christian, Adrianna; eight grandsons, Anthony, Joshua, Schlander, Malik, Jamal, Jaylen, Devin, Christian. four great-granddaughters, Shimya, Ariane, Ameara, Amir; four great-grandsons, Kaden, Kameron, Schyler and Jaxton; two sisters, Minister Linda Taylor and Valerie Sutherland of Memphis, TN; two brothers, Alfred Sutherland of Greenwood, MS; Bobby Sutherland (Marie) KCMO; aunt, Josephine Hampton of Cleveland, OH; three uncles, George Sutherland, KCMO; Michael Bryant (Anita) and Eldridge Bryant (Marsha) St. Louis, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Sutherland will be held at Eastwood Hills Community Association, 7400 Ozark Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64129, on Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 1-4 p.m.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .