James F. Ruttenberg, age 60, passed away on May 18th, surrounded by his loving family, after his courageous battle with cancer. He will greatly be missed by his devoted wife, Debbie, of 34 years and his twin sons, Matthew (Niesha) and Bradley, as well as his older brother, Don (Lori). Jim will be remembered forever by all the lives he touched with his warm smile and positive attitude towards life. He was preceded by death by his loving parents, William and Helen Ruttenberg. Jim grew up in Stow, Ohio and graduated from Stow High School in 1968. He furthered his education at both Tyler University and Akron University. Jim was a "career agent" and Financial Planner with Prudential Insurance Company for 36 years as well as Ruttenberg Financial Inc. in Stow, Ohio. One of the most important jobs he did was being an active firefighter and EMT with the Stow Fire Dept. for almost 40 years. This part of his life meant so much to him. He loved saving lives and keeping everyone safe.
Jim was an avid golfer, an accomplished pilot, and he loved boating. He and his wife recently moved permanently to Cape Coral, Florida to be near his sons and be able to continue his passions. Jim was a long time member of the Stow Rotary as well as the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce. He gave back to community in many ways his entire life. He was a member of the Hudson Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio where he served as an usher for many years.
There will be a "Celebration of his Life" and memorial service on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hudson Community Chapel at 750 West Streetsboro Street, Hudson, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a foundation in Jim's name at Stow Monroe Falls Foundation, 44 Munroe Falls Avenue, Munroe Falls, Ohio 44262 where Jim had expressed wishes that the donations go to providing heart defibrillators for the City of Stow where they are needed. You may also donate to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Parkway East, Cape Coral, Fla 33909. Thank you in advance for all your thoughts and prayers to the family.
-to be posted in the Akron Beacon Journal and the Stow Sentry
To our Dearest Jim,
ReplyDeleteI have no words to describe the sadness and heartache I felt when I pulled up your blog today...Seeing your picture made me cry, but also made me smile...I wished when I pulled this up today I was still writing with hope and prayers for your cure...I guess we can't make sense of why, but I know for sure Jim you are in heaven smiling down on your family and all your friends...Oh! how we will miss you, that beautiful smile, and your loving ways...
As hard as it is for your loss we must take comfort that you are with our God in a glorious place and you our free of pain, suffering, and at peace...We must live off all your wonderful memories as there were so many fond memories that we all can tell and will live on until eternity...What a glorious legacy you have left behind...So while I am sad I feel blessed to have been part of your life and will cherish it forever...Jim, you set the example for what goodness and holy living is all about...Your faith and relationship with God, and always caring about the other person so unselfish...
This is a day for me to reflect and say, "Have faith, what is really important in my life, never take life for granted because it can be gone tomorrow, positive thinking, don"t sweat the small stuff, and love like there is no tomorrow"...
You will never be forgotten...
Rest in Peace...
Love,
Lindy
Deb, Matt & Brad,
ReplyDeleteYou have my deepest sympathies on Jim's passing. I knew Jim from the KSU airport and always enjoyed spending time with him whether we went flying or simply sat in the lobby talking about going flying. His gentle nature, kindness and quick wit always impressed me. Over the years I had the privilege to know Jim as a flight student and a financial planner but most of all as my friend.
God Bless and Godspeed Ruttman!
Kevin Fetsko, Uniontown OH