Jay Osborn Suchland

Jay Osborn Suchland, 89, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025 in his Oro Valley, AZ home. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. 

Born in the plains of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado to Paul and Mary Suchland, Jay was the fourth of eleven children. As a result of many years of drought and the infamous Dust Bowl, Jay’s family left Colorado and moved to Missouri when he was four years old. Jay earned his BS degree in Agricultural Mechanization from the University of Missouri, grounding his life’s work in both knowledge and purpose. Jay’s deep connection to family remained constant throughout his life, even as his life took him across the globe – serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany, volunteering with the Peace Corps (El Salvador I), and through a fulfilling 35-year career as an International Agricultural Specialist. 

In 1966, Jay married the love of his life, Margaret (Clark). Together they nurtured a family, raising daughters Mary Virginia and Jennifer Anne and shared adventures while living in Lebanon, Venezuela, and across the United States. Jay was a man of faith who loved his family and country. He was a champion of the National Parks, an avid photographer, bird lover, gardener and cook. In his retirement, Jay gave generously of his time, serving as a docent at Tohono Chul Park and staying actively involved with St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and its Missions Committee. 

Jay will be profoundly missed by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Margaret, as well as by his two daughters: Mary Grundy, with her husband John and their children, Grace and James; and Jennifer Suchland, with her partner Shannon Winnubst and their child, Micah. He is also survived by his ten siblings: Pauline, Mary Elizabeth, Eleanor, Margaret, Mark, Arthur, Barbara, Carol, David, and Paul. 

A celebration of life will be held Sunday October 19th, 2 p.m., at St. Mark’s United Method Church (1431 W. Magee Road). Livestream can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@UMCStMarksAZ 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mark’s UMC Missions (Nash Neighbors or Community Food Bank of Arizona) and/or Tohono Chul Park .