James Duane Rudolph

RUDOLPH,
James Duane
"Rudy"

James Duane Rudolph passed away peacefully on the night of January 8, 2012, at his home in Spokane.
Rudy, also known as Jim or Duane, was born on February 1, 1926 to James Lester Rudolph and Janet
Libra (Justice) Rudolph in Moscow, Idaho. The young family was transferred around Washington and Oregon and eventually settled in Spokane. Many childhood summers were spent with grandparents and cousins in Joseph, Oregon. Rudy graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Chief Washaki and USS Tulagi as a Signalman. On his return, after attending WSU on the GI Bill, Rudy worked at McGee's Fountain Lunch in Walla Walla, starting in 1950. Rudy returned to Spokane and married Anne M. Hartley on October 2, 1954 and gained a step-daughter, Peggy Anne Weitman, and stepson John F. Hartley. Anne passed away January 21, 1990 and Peggy passed away in 1998. The majority of his career was spent as a home delivery "milk man". He started work at Arden Farms in 1954, then Carnation, then Darigold. He also drove truck for Carnation. Rudy learned the dairy business well, he excelled in sales where he met and befriended hundreds of Spokane residents. He knew the city like the back of his hand. Rudy retired in 1983.
In 1991 Rudy reconnected with Nancy Lou Arnold, a life long family friend, and they began a new life together. Nancy's family became Rudy's family. They attended Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church where they were also members of the church choir and the "Just For Fun" singing group. Rudy loved fishing, traveling and was a member of the Eagles Aerie No.2 for 49 years where he loved to dance. He is survived by his love, Nancy, his stepchildren, John (Linda) Hartley of Rosalia, and William (Abby Conrad) Arnold, Terry (Wayne) Morehead, Nancy (Vincent) Blindauer, and Laurie (Wayne) Hitchcock of Spokane, many grandchildren and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 22, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church. The family also wishes to thank the wonderful team at Hospice of Spokane who made it possible for Rudy to live comfortably at home with family until his final call home to our Lord.