Sutherland, who had been ill for some time and died on Sunday, was hailed a true and committed European by Juncker and other senior political figures.
The Irishman became the youngest-ever European Commissioner in 1985 at the age of 38, in charge of competition and briefly education under European Commission President Jacques Delors.
Before that, he worked as Ireland’s attorney general and later became director general of the World Trade Organisation.
He is credited with securing one of the biggest ever multilateral trade agreements, the so-called ‘Uruguay Round’.
In a statement issued on Monday, Juncker said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Peter Sutherland.
“In every sense of the word Peter was a true European. He believed strongly in the work of the European Union and other international organisations and their importance for cooperation and international dialogue.
“He was one of the founding fathers of the Erasmus programme and was instrumental in shaping our internal market in the early days and competition policy as we know it today.
“Above all, Peter Sutherland reflected the core values of the European spirit in his everyday work and was convinced that by working together, great things can be achieved.
“His contribution internationally to business, politics, migration and human rights will not be forgotten. He was a giant of Irish, European and international public life. He will be deeply missed.
“My deepest sympathies and thoughts go to his family and friends.”
Further reaction to his death came from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar who commented, “He was a statesman in every sense of the word; an Irishman, a committed European and a proud internationalist.”
He added, “Throughout his life, he was a champion for individual and economic freedoms.”
Irish Commissioner Phil Hogan, in charge of agriculture and rural development, said, “Peter was probably Ireland’s most distinguished international statesman. A true believer in the European ideal.”