It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Allen “Jim” Suiter, who left us peacefully on June 15, 2025, in his hometown of Henryetta at the age of 84. Born on May 2, 1941, to the late Buster and Lorene (Yandle) Suiter, Jim was a lifelong pillar of the Henryetta community.
A proud alumnus of Henryetta High School, the Fighting Hens, Class of 1959, Jim furthered his education, earning a master’s degree in education. He dedicated his career to the betterment of young minds, first as the principal of Roosevelt School in Henryetta, and later serving with distinction as the head of the General Education Department at OSU Okmulgee until his retirement.
A devout member of the Nazarene Church, Jim was also an active participant in the Bit’s and Spurs Club, sharing his love for community and camaraderie.
Jim was greeted in Heaven by his brother, Bert Suiter; sister, Nancy Suiter; and nephew, John Allen Suiter, who preceded him in death.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Phyllis Suiter, of their family home; his daughter, Shelly Ann (Suiter) Harris and her husband Michael of Tulsa; his sons, Michael “Toby” Elam and wife Carol and Mark Elam and wife Shelly ; his cherished grandchildren, Andrew Michael Harris, Michelle Harris, Matthew Grant Harris, Michael Elam, Brittany Elam, Joshua Elam, and Sarah Padgett; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Lucas Andrew Harris and Shepherd Allen Elam. He will also be fondly remembered by his nieces, Kelly Ann Morrison and Jennifer Wigington; his nephew, Terry Lee Suiter; and his sister, Mary Beltran.

The family invites you to join them in a service celebrating Jim’s life at 10:30 am on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel. The service will be officiated by Rev. Mark Elam. Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home.

Jim’s legacy of kindness, dedication to education, and love for his family will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew him. We take comfort in knowing he lived a life full of purpose and love.