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James Ruffa Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Linda Ruffa; son, Jay Ruffa and his wife, Kellie; daughter, Elisabeth Adkins; grandson, Steven Ruffa; two brothers, Carmine Ruffa and wife, Naoko, and Chris Ruffa and wife, Jane; two sisters, Joanne Ruffa and Cindy Minton and husband, Warren; mother-in-law, Mary Ann Major; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, with interment to follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Dr. James Ruffa Scholarship Fund, Attention Sharon Caro, Appomattox Regional Governor's School, 512 W. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803 or Washington St. UMC, 22 E. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Ruffa
Robert Stansberry
December 1, 2021
I think of Dr. Ruffa often. I am truly great full for his confidence in me when he selected me to be the principal of Colonial Heights High School. Today my wife Susan & I are retired living in Florida. I know I owe my career in education to Dr. James Ruffa. He continues to be missed.
mark edwards
December 1, 2019
I think of James often and it always brings a smile to my face. He was a kind and generous spirit who made the world a better place. Love to Linda and the family.
Sheryl (Wallace) Effren
November 1, 2017
Dear Ruffa Family,
It is now November 2017. Having been a friend of Jim at Lees McRae, I know how missed he has been among all of you and his friends for he was a role model for other students; one you all would be so proud of. I knew the kind of man hed become. I am so sorry for your great loss.
Tonight I was saddened to learn from the internet of his passing in 2010 as I scrolled to find him. I recall his opportunity to pitch for the Astros and thought hed be watching . I can see his smile.
Reading the obituary Guest Book, which I was delighted to find, I was not surprised by the praise expressed for Jim. I, too, now have the opportunity to add my words and hope that your memories bring you smiles and warmth.
glen mabry
November 3, 2011
In 1974/5 Mr. Ruffa was my tennis coach at Norview High School in Norfolk. During that short period of time he took an interest in my abilities and at that time to me he was the kind of man one would hope to emulate in adulthood. I always wanted to just say hi once again. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the good ones! God be with you Mr. Ruffa, and your family.
Glen L. Mabry, Norfolk, VA.
Marjorie Jeffries James
December 20, 2010
Jackie,
Please know I am thinking of you!
Heather Muller
December 16, 2010
Hello, it's me again, Heather Lee Muller. I am sorry I did not make it for the funeral. but Mr. Ruffa did mean the world to most people as you can tell by reading.
Let me tell you some more. He was a yr ahead of my Daddy, Ed Lee in Hg. school, PGHS and College, Lees-McRea College. Then he found out I was following in his footsteps. Yep, going to the same college. He was tickled. Lees-McRea College.
Daddy did not start hanging out with him until he was in college mind you. But Daddy knew he had the children in his hand. Daddy knew he had teaching in his hand. I did too.
You are wondering why I call him Mr. Ruffa, well that was his name I new him by. Ohh wee, I can tell you some times when I was riled at high school and I politly went in his office to tell him why I was riled and to tell him what he should do about it.
Those were the days. (smile) Mr. Ruffa always smiled and he was never rough with me. Most prob. because I was a "special" student. But, I have overcome the special part.
Amy Vick, Missy Lee, (my sister,) my Daddy and I all want you to know you have our love for the lose but you did not lose him not really. Keep him alive in the little things that he loved. As I will though the memories that I shared with him. I was just a child, but he opened the door for me, a little bit.
Rose Parrish-Steffen
December 13, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Ruffa family. My parents always thought so very highly of him since he was a child. I enjoyed knowing him as a teacher when I was in school and his help he gave me in my Colonial Heights Jaycees projects. I know a fine man like him will be greatly missed.
Jim Belcher
December 13, 2010
Beth and I came by J.T. Morris after the funeral for Beth's dad, but we didn't stay since the line was running outside, and we had already been outside for quite some time at the earlier funeral. James was a great guy; most of my time spent with him was on the tennis court, and it wasn't until many years later that I entered the world of education, and I regret not being able to talk to James about anything in that area. Fortunately, my wife Beth did interact with him in that area while she was teaching in Colonial Heights, and James was serving as superintendent. Both of us felt that James was a great person and human being and are greatly saddened by his passing.
Brigitte Satterwhite
December 13, 2010
Very saddened at the loss of Dr. James Ruffa. He will be greatly missed. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ruffa at the Govenor's School. Praying for the family.
Gail Ross
December 13, 2010
My son graduated from ARGS in 2010, and he and Dr. Ruffa shared a love of sports and had many conversations. Dr. Ruffa was always pleasant and greeted parents at the various events at ARGS. My family is very sorry to hear that such a dedicated educator has left us.
Ronnie Bishop
December 12, 2010
We were shocked and saddened to hear of James's passing. He was a wonderful friend, devoted family-man, great educator, and excellent fisherman. We will miss seeing him walking around the neighborhood, trips to the pond, and talking with him. It is very rare when you meet a man who is as educated as James with as much common sense. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Bishop Family
Ken & Susan Ruhf
December 11, 2010
To the entire Ruffa family:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of James. You are in our family's prayers and thoughts.
James was one of my first and closest friends when my family relocated to Virginia. We had almost every class together and normally ate lunch together each day at PHS. I enjoyed his athletic abilities in football, basketball, and baseball.
We enjoyed every time we ran into each other whether shopping or on our way to Va Tech to watch the Hokies play.
He has left a great hole in our lives with work yet to be done; we must all continue to strive to fill that gap and finish the dreams he was unable to complete. James has merely tripped in our walk of life together and gotten just a few steps ahead of the rest of us, we will all catch up again someday soon.
My God bless you all.
Brad Kinder
December 11, 2010
My wife and I send our sincere condolences to the entire family. Dr. Ruffa (and the entire Ruffa family) occupies a large part of my high school memories, and I will always remember his generosity and warmth.
Cynthia Clark
December 10, 2010
May all of you be comforted during this difficult time and may you all gather the strength to go forward with your life and celebrate. I am sure this is what Dr. Ruffa would want you to do. Arnaud and I both want to express our condolences.I would like to express my thanks for all that he did here at the Appomattox Regional Governor's School and his support.
Cynthia Clark
December 10, 2010
Our prayers are with you, Linda and your family. Dr. Ruffa left us the gift of sharing and a continued example of learning here at the Appomattox Regional Governor's School for the Arts and Technology.
December 10, 2010
We were shocked to hear of Dr. Ruffa's death. Our daughter was a freshman at ARGS during Dr. Ruffa's first year there. He showed great leadership throughout her high school years. Dr. Ruffa made a difference. Leigh Ann McKelway (Richmond)
Donna Whittington-Staton
December 9, 2010
Beth, Steven and family, please know that you have my condolences. Take care.
Elizabeth Shank
December 9, 2010
Please accept our condolences. My son was a student at ARGS while Dr. Ruffa was there. We are sad to hear this news.
Judy Blevins
December 9, 2010
To the Ruffa Family -- I did not know James personally, but knew of him as so many did -- from hearing about his childhood days from my stepmother who taught him in Sunday School through his serving the Colonial Heights School System and the Governor's School, he was admired and respected by all. I live at Cobblestone with his sweet mother, Jackie, and I send my deepest sympathy and prayers to her and the entire family in this time of tremendous loss. In Christian love, Judy Blevins
Diane Thibodeau
December 9, 2010
Dr.Ruffa,The only word I can think of when I think of you, is AMAZING! You were a wonderful person,you touched so many hearts of people of all walks of life. I will truly miss you! Linda, my heart goes out to you. You two were like "Pea's & Carrots" you were meant for each other, as I thought so much of you too! as you were his GREAT! partner and supporter. Jay and Beth just want you both to know you are in my thoughts too! I am thinking of you two. I know you both were the JOY of your Dad, he truly loved you. When I work with your Dad at the S.B.O. he would often talk about how proud he was of you guys. My heart and prayers goes out to you and your family. Thanks! Dr. Ruffa for letting me be part of your life.
susan chmielewski
December 9, 2010
i am sorry to hear of the passing of dr ruffa he was a great man ,teacher and mentor he taught my son to be true to himself and to strive for greatness i will always be indebted to him args will never be the same matt graduated in 2008 and i know he is the man he is because of dr ruffas influence thankyou you will be truly missed
Nancy & Rye Curtis
December 9, 2010
Beth,
I would like to say how sorry Rye & I are to hear of the loss of your Dad, he was such a nice man when I crossed his path many times out and about..I'm sure he will be missed by so many, hold on to your great memories and they will help you through...
Richard Earl
December 9, 2010
I wish to give my deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Ruffa family on the loss of James. I was a teamate of James in high school in sports.He was always a mentor to all who knew him.He was always a dedicated,hard working and team player.I had not seen James in thirty years since I have lived out of state, but in the last two years I have had a chance to meet with him at school on two occasions.We had a chance to discuss some of our memories in sports and discuss our careers over the years.When we got together it was like I had seen him on a regular basis. James was the man I had known over the years,dedicated,caring for students,high integrity and a family man.We all will miss him but because of his faith we who are sisters and brothers in Christ will be together again. May God bless his family.
Don Irwin
December 8, 2010
Dear Linda and Family ,
I want to add my condolences on your loss . A great loss for all of us. My heart is sad , I wish I could be there tomorrow . I will not be in Virginia until sunday . He was a man of great integrity . I am so happy we were ably to work on the Steinway Piano together for the school . He will always be remembered . Steinway Artist Don Irwin
Doug Harris
December 8, 2010
Linda and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you.
December 8, 2010
Dear Linda and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of James. He was a wonderful person and did so very much for the children of the Tri-Cities area. He will be greatly missed. I will keep you in my prayers. Dorothea Shannon
December 8, 2010
We will be keeing you all in our thoughts and prayers and give you our sincerest sympathy.
Rose, Jim, and Susan Basl
CHARLIE & YVONNE RICHMOND
December 8, 2010
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. James Ruffa. My son attended ARG.(class of 2007)Dr. Ruffa and I have had many talks, always positive no matter the situation. My family and I will always be greatful to him for his leadership and the mentoring he gave our son. His legacy at ARG will live forever thru his students.
December 8, 2010
Dear Linda, Iam praying for you and your family.My the lord keep you safe and give the strength to help you through this sad time. Susan Ham, your house keeper a few years back.
mark edwards
December 8, 2010
James, I will miss you greatly. with much love to Linda and family. Mark Edwards
December 8, 2010
Dear Linda,I am keeping you in my heart and prayers. I know your faith will give you strength and courage.
Greta Perkins
George & Pat Elder
December 8, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Shelia Hines
December 8, 2010
My sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. James Ruffa during this difficult time. Dr. Ruffa was one of my professors who I truly admired at Virginia State University. He was a great educator who cared about his students. Dr. Ruffa was there for me during the time I worked on my dissertation and was present for my final defense. He will be truly missed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
Dr. Shelia D. Hines
Vicki Brigstock Humphreys
December 8, 2010
Dr. Ruffa will always be remembered as a wonderful example of an outstanding educator, leader, and human being. He was principal at Prince George High School when I was a student there, and his door was always open to us. He never missed an opportunity to share an encouraging word. His family is in my thoughts and prayers - He will truly be missed!
Diane Foley
December 8, 2010
Ruffa Family- I have only known James for a few years but could see how caring and kind he was to everyone. His smile could light up a dark day and his love for God, family and WSUMC was evident in all his actions. He will be missed by many and I can only hope he knew what an inspiration he was to so many people. God Bless each of you as you struggle with the loss of a powerful,loving man.
Dr. Charletta Barringer-Brown
December 8, 2010
To the Family of Dr. James Ruffa:
I would like to extend my sympathy to you during this difficult time. I was a departmental colleague of Dr. Ruffa during my former employment with Virginia State University. I will always remember his sense of humor, words of advise, sincere manner,and gentle smile.
Michele Urban
December 7, 2010
As the Essex Girls' tennis coach, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ruffa while trying to find the ARGS tennis courts. Only talking with him for a couple of minutes, his genuine caring personality was easy to see. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
December 7, 2010
Dear Mrs. Ruffa and family, Although I have not seen James in 40 years the memories of fun high school days are very clear. He was a "big man on campus" and a sports star. I'm sorry that I never had a chance to see and talk to him as an adult and the fine man I am sure he was, or to meet his family. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Julie Syme Davis
PGHS Class of 1986
December 7, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Rhonda Gilbert
December 7, 2010
I loved, back then, Mr. Ruffa when he was my principal and i was so happy he was my nieces and she adored him!! <3
Jasmine Pickering
December 7, 2010
Hey Dr. Ruffa
You have no idea how much I miss you. I remember when you would stop me in the hallway and say, "How re you doing Jazzy Pick?" I was really hoping that you could see me graduate from ARGS in 2012. You are so sweet, Dr. Ruffa. I really wish I could just see you one more time and have a nice, long conversation with you - about anything. I remember your loving smile, your warm hugs, and your great sense of humor. The ARGS family is very crushed to hear the news. I know you are in a better place and that's what makes me happy. It was nice knowing you. Rest in peace, my friend.
-Jazzy Pick :)
Cindy James
December 7, 2010
I am a Colonial Heights teacher who had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ruffa while he was our superintendent. I found him to be a class act who always took the time to speak to my family and me. He was a genuinely nice man who cared about others. You have something to be proud of in Dr. Ruffa. May God bless you with comfort and peace.
Johnny & Becky Anderson
December 7, 2010
We have been friends with James & Linda for a long time, and we are going to miss him. Our prayers are with the family. Johnny & Becky
Cathy Daniel
December 7, 2010
Beth and family, my sincere sympathy to all of you in your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
December 7, 2010
I am deeply saddened over the loss of James. Even though our paths did not cross often, it was always a delight to see him. His passing is a true loss to the city where he grew up and so graciously served. Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry Lewis, Col Hgts, VA-- PHS Class of '65
Rob Stansberry
December 7, 2010
Mrs. Ruffa and Family: Dr. Ruffa was an educators friend. He mentored me for 8 years and gave me my first Principalship. My son and I both thought much of Dr. Ruffa and will miss him greatly. I had been thinking of him just recently as I approach my retirement from education this coming June. I was planning to call him to see how retirement was treating him. I only wish I had called to talk with him. He always had the right advice and helped me many times over the years. Know that we are praying for all of you! Rob Stansberry
December 7, 2010
We're thinking of you at this time and wishing you and your family comfort and peace. Danny Washington and Family
Bernard King
December 7, 2010
Linda and the rest of the Family. Please know that I was shocked when I heard this. You know that your Family and James's Family both are very special in my memories of our growing up. I saw James before I left C.H. and told him to say hi to you for me. I want you to know that my thoughts are with you always.
December 7, 2010
TO ALL THOSE WHO KNEW MY DAD, JAMES HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. OUR FAMILY APPRECIATES ALL THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THAT HAVE BEEN LIFTED UP. WE LOVE YOU ALL tHANKS AGAIN.
December 7, 2010
Mrs. Rosa White and her son Herbert White Jr send their condolences to the Ruffa family. Dr Ruffa was a great family friend and played a large part to forming the foundation of not only the local school system but to his home church of Washington Street United Methodist Church and will be greatly missed. Well done good and faithful servant.
Laurie Cigal
December 7, 2010
I am so grateful to have worked with and gotten to know Dr.Ruffa over the past 2 years. What an inspiration! God has big plans for Dr. Ruffa! And his touch on each of our lives will live on in our hearts and actions. Big hugs to family and friends and many prayers for strength during grief and happy memories to share of Dr. Ruffa's amazing life. Laurie Cigal - ARGS Spanish Teachefr 2008-2010
Phyllis Cheely
December 7, 2010
Dear Mrs. Ruffa and family members,
It was sad to hear of Dr. Ruffa's passing. He touched the lives of so many youth and made a difference in the lives of many. I trust your precious memories will help sustain you during this difficult time. He will be missed.
Phyllis Cheely (Col. Hgts., VA)
Gloria and WF DanceIII
December 7, 2010
So sorry to learn of James' death.. Blessings to you all in these difficult days
Arie Guy Fenderson Blankenship
December 7, 2010
Much love and many prayers are with you all...I know your hearts are breaking and there will always a big empty spot in your hearts...Take comfort that he did not suffer a long illness the Lord took him quickly...Doesn't make the hurt go away tho...You all were always so special to me any my family...my Dad adored each of you...my love and prayers are with you all
December 7, 2010
Mrs. Ruffa and family members,
My heart is so saddened by the loss of such a great and kind man. I know that my Frank was at the gate to greet him home. Please know that I shall keep you in my prayers. God Bless each of you during this most difficult time. In His Name, I remain, Betty Freudig (Colonial Heights, VA)
Tom Ruffin
December 7, 2010
I am sorry to hear that James has passed. It’s been many years since we graduated from PHS, but I have thought about him many times in the past years. My condolence to the family.
Kristen Harris
December 7, 2010
Dr. Ruffa, you were such a good man. You were so warm and loving and your smile was able to brighten any dreary day, and I can't thank you enough for that. You valued me not just as a person, but as a friend, as a sister in Christ, and I will always carry that piece of you with me. I miss you so much, Dr. Ruffa, but I know that you don't want me to be sad. You would want me to find joy in your homegoing and in your beautiful transformation that God told me you took on, and so that's what I'm doing :) I'll work hard to make you proud, sir!!! Hug Ms. Davis and Ms. Higbee for me, please and always watch over me like you have the past years. "Best Wishes to you, JLR"
To the Ruffa family, you are most certainly in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, at all.
Thomas Stavredes
December 7, 2010
My sincere symrpathy goes to the entire family in Dr. Ruffa's passing.
Michael Johnson
December 7, 2010
I am so sorry to here of my cousin James passing. This is a great loss. He is a legacy to his State and Community. My prayers go out to you Linda, Jay, Kellie and Elisabeth. You are so blessed to have had a Man like James. He was always good to me when I was young. He was a very intelligent and loved man. God bless you James and May God bless your family.
First Cousin; Michael Johnson
December 7, 2010
Linda, I am sorry to hear about Jim. He was a great man and I really enjoyed working with him. He was a true educator and a good friend. Suzanne Richardson McGaugh
Heather Muller
December 7, 2010
You will always be in our prayers. Heather Lee (Muller) PGHS, class of 1991 and Missy Lee (McDaniel) PGHS, class of 1987.
Frances Morgan
December 7, 2010
Dr. Ruffa, and you would correct me and say, "James." What a joy it was to work with such a compassionate man. A love for children and someone who cared for his staff. Your kindness and that contagious smile will never be forgotten. Class of 1970 will never forget our 40th reunion, with your guidance of the old PHS building, it was the icing on the cake. Rest in peace my friend.
December 7, 2010
You were always an inspiration to your students. My thoughts and prayers to your family. John Kibler, CHHS Class of 2001
Gail Russell
December 7, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes to you all at this most devastating time. I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Ruffa's passing. I will never forget how he was so instrumental in helping my son, Bubba realize his dream of getting a chance to audition for an entry position into Va. Tech, which has opened up a lifetime of wonderful opportunities for him.I will forever be grateful. I will pray that you will be able to find comfort from all of those who knew and loved him.
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