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Sutton leaving bench after 20 years
Retirement will be celebrated Saturday

Clara Beard/WGCN<br>
Bill Sutton stands in front of the bench he will vacate after 20 years of service in the Williams Justice Court.

Clara Beard/WGCN<br> Bill Sutton stands in front of the bench he will vacate after 20 years of service in the Williams Justice Court.

WILLIAMS - After 20 years on the bench of the Williams Justice Court and Magistrate Court, Judge Bill Sutton is retiring. Rob Krombeen, who voters elected in August, replaces Sutton in January.

Sutton's 20-year career will be celebrated at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Sultana Theater, 301 W. Route 66. Everyone is invited to celebrate with Sutton; however, he does not want to receive gifts. He does want plenty of food, though, for a Mexican potluck. If your last name begins A-G, bring appetizers; H-M, salads; and, N-Z, a Mexican main dish.

"This is a fun time for everybody. It is not just about me. Come and join us for a good time," said Sutton.

Sutton was born and raised in Williams. After high school, he attended college at Northern Arizona University, receiving his degree in education in 1977. He has been in northern Arizona his whole life, with the exception of a half year residency in San Diego in 1972.

Sutton taught school for a number of years in Williams, where over the years he taught fifth grade, physical education, and coached girls basketball and boys football. He also worked for the Williams-Grand Canyon News as a reporter. He was instrumental in starting the Grand Canyon News during its' inception.

In 1990, he was elected to the office of Williams Justice of the Peace, and he was appointed Williams City Magistrate. He took the bench Jan. 1, 1991.

While in office, Sutton received a number of honors and awards, and he was elected to numerous positions. He was named the "Outstanding Non-Attorney Judge in the United States" in 2002. He received the Chief Justice's main award for 2004, called the Distinguished Service Award. He was given the Presiding Judges Award from Judge Dana Hendrix in 2009. He has served as president of the Justices of the Peace Association, president of the National Judges Association, president of Williams Rotary Club, and was elected for 12 years as Presiding Justice of the Peace in Coconino County. He has also served on numerous committees, including the Arizona State Judicial Counsel, where he was one of only four lower court judges in the state to be a part of that advisory committee, advising the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Sutton has demonstrated his love of Williams through his service to the community. He was the first president and founder of the Williams Christmas Committee, which included the city's first ice rink. He was the co-founder and committee member of the Williams Town Clock and was founder and first chairman of the Williams Swimming Pool Project. He is the founder and President of Yes I can, Inc.

Sutton is married to Linda Sutton, and between them, they have six grown children. They also have four grandchildren.

When asked what he will miss the most, he replied, "My staff. They are like family to me, and they do an outstanding job. And of course, they have spoiled me over the years by how professional they are, and by the type of people they are. I'll also miss working with various attorneys, other judges, and leaders within the city and the county, and all of our county's court system and administration. We have the best up here, in my opinion."

"And in a court, if you just listen, give people a fair shake, win or lose, and try to make a difference in individuals' lives, you can make a difference. I hope I've been able to make a positive difference in many lives," Sutton concluded. "People are not a case number, but a human being. All judges should always remember that."


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