Former Midland County Sheriff, State Legislator Passes Away

A man who once served as the sheriff of Midland County and as a state representative has passed away.

James McNutt was 89 when he died Wednesday, March 27. Born January 28, 1935 in Lansing, McNutt was a student at Rodney Wilson High School in Saint Johns. According to his obituary, he graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1957 with a degree in Criminal Justice; he later earned a Master’s Degree in the same field.

McNutt was employed as a Probation and Parole agent until he was appointed Sheriff of Midland County in 1976. He was President of the Michigan Sheriff Association, and member of the National Sheriff Association. In 1990 he was elected to the Michigan State House representing the 102nd and 98th district. He served the state until 1998, and won Legislator of the Year in 1996. McNutt was married to Mary Jane Wassa in 1957.

He is survived by three daughters and numerous grand- and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church at 207 Ashman Street in Midland.