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