James (Jim) Edward Sauter

James (Jim) Edward Sauter of Fort Pierce, Florida and formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away peacefully at his home in Florida on January 20, 2018, at the age of 91.

Born on September 15, 1926 in Flint, Michigan, Jim graduated from Flint Northern High School and entered the U.S. Army in late 1944. During WW II, Jim served with the 17th Regiment of the U.S. Army, 7th Infantry Division during the battle for Okinawa. After remaining overseas with occupation forces in Korea, he was honorably discharged in October of 1946. Thereafter, Jim continued his education, receiving his B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Michigan in 1950 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in 1953.

In 1948, he married Ellen Joanne (Jo) Wiltz who as a wife, mother, homemaker, artist and manager kept Jim in line for their 64 years together.

Jim began his business career in 1953 in the Industrial Training Program with Westinghouse Electric until 1956, He returned to Michigan as the Personnel Relations Counsel for Booth Newspapers, Inc. Jim’s first office was at the Flint Journal as he started negotiating with twenty-four bargaining units. Actually, Jim’s first employment with Booth Newspapers was as a newspaper delivery truck driver for the Flint Journal during his high school years. In 1965, Jim started his climb up the officer ranks of Booth as their Vice President of Employee Relations, ultimately becoming President and CEO of Booth in April of 1975 and remaining so until his retirement in August of 1978. Jim was innovative and a newspaper industry leader playing a large role in ushering in the transition from the hot metal to cold type newspaper production process. Jim touched the lives of many employees and business associates.

Jim was an avid golfer and tennis player even into his mid-eighties. His competitive nature made for many enjoyable matches with friends, family and business associates. He loved besting his sons in golf and tennis. He was an instrument rated pilot and flew his Beech Bonanza for both business and pleasure. Jim enjoyed bird hunting with his family including his Brittany Spaniels, Taffy and Jill. He loved laughing with and mentoring his grandchildren. Jim loved acting as the framer, set-up guy and chauffer for Jo’s watercolor collection and sales activity.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jo, parents Russell and Helen Sauter, brothers William and Russell, Jr, and sisters Lucille Palmer (Sauter) and Helen Frasier (Sauter). Jim is survived by his sister Elizabeth (Lib) Gunning; his sons Lawrence (Denise) of Fort Pierce, Florida and Charles (Robin) of Upper Arlington, Ohio; Grandchildren James, Benjamin, Leslie, Thomas, Kyle; and Great-Grandchildren Cole, Austin, Mallory and Amelia; and many Nieces and Nephews.

Jim requested that there be no memorial service. The family suggests any donations be
made to Treasure Coast Hospice at https://treasurehealth.org/ways-to-give/donate . Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.haisleyfuneralhome.com .