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James Ruffer Obituary
James D. Ruffer passed away on Sept. 11, in Arvada, Colo.
He was born on Jan. 28, 1949, in Walnut Creek, Calif., to Otto and Dolores Ruffer.
James was a graduate of Armijo High School, Class of 1967. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army, serving the rank of SP4 in Battery A 4th BN (Nike Hercules) 44th ARTY, 38th Artillery Brigade Camp El Paso DMZ Korea 1970. He then worked in the can manufacturing business for 29 years.
James was an avid enduro rider and outdoorsman.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Donna; son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Cathrine; son, Adam; grandchildren, Audrey, Alaina and Dustin; he is also survived by sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Ken Bechtle; and a host of extended family and friends.
A viewing will be held this evening, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville. A graveside service will follow on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at Rockville Cemetery, 4219 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of James Ruffer may be made to: Colon Cancer Research, The Director, The National Cancer Institute Building 31, Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892
Arrangements are by Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 446-3233, www.vacahills chapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ruffer
Marcy Rouse
September 18, 2010
To Donna and the Family,
I worked with Jim for many years. His kindness was so very noticed by me and appreciated. I will miss him. I will celebrate what a wonderful co-worker he was and a nice friend. What an awesome picture of him. Jim, you are with your" Heavenly Father" now. We will meet again!.............God's love and Blessings to the Family.........Your Sister in Christ-Marcy Rouse-Lakewood,Co.
Sonja Eckert Thompson
September 18, 2010
Sonja Eckert Thompson
September 18, 2010
Jim was one of those people that come into your life and you never will forget him. His great laugh will be in my memory forever. We had so much fun working at Coors together. He was the ONLY person I knew that would drop everything he was doing on a day off just to come help out a friend. He gave his complete friendship unconditionally. He was a wonderful peron heart and soul and will be fondly remembered by every one who knew him. God definitely called a great one up too soon. I wish we could have got together in April. Miss you Jim! See you again someday.
Donna, Ryan and Adam and families, Jim was a saint. You were extremely fortunate to have him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You all.
mark meszaros
September 17, 2010
jim, was a great class mate,class of 1967, I am sorry i could not make it to the services as i am out of town. I know he will be missed by a lot of friends.
Richard Nichols
September 17, 2010
Jim was a friend to everyone he met. I have never met a nicer nicer man. He was more than a friend to me, more of a "Big Brother". We were friends since we met when he worked at American Auto...40 years ago. The world has lost a very special soul. Stonyford, Cascade and Georgetown...They will never be the same without Jim. I'm sure his Spirit will be there, but it won't be the same.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Donna, Ryan and Adam.
Dennis Soares
September 17, 2010
Jim and I were classmates and friends class 0f 67. We both loved the outdoors and riding hunting and fishing.It could be years in between seeing each other but when we did it was like only yesterday. He was always wearing a smile and making you comfortable. He was a gentleman ever since High School. I was happy to hear from a mutual friend that Jim moved to Colorado. That had to be a thrill for him. I'm saddened by the thought of his losing his battle with this terrible disease and he is no longer with us. My condolences to his family and other friends. We truly lost someone special.He is missed. Dennis Soares
Vaca Hills Chapel
September 17, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
September 16, 2010
Donna--Jim was a great neighbor on Capricorn Circle. So sad to learn of his passing. Take care Mary Gillogley
Marty Yergen
September 16, 2010
Jim was a great friend and always supportive both at work and play. I really enjoyed talking and living the motorsport world with him. I tried to ride with him, but never saw him after the second turn. He was very proud of his family and always spoke highly of them. God bless you Jim.
Paul Strongman
September 15, 2010
Dear Donna,Adam and Ryan....I am at a loss for words.I am so ,so sorry for the loss of Jim.He was a true and dear friend to me as many others I know.One of my life regrets will be having not spent more time with him while he was here.He was one of my very best friends...ever.God bless you guys in such a tough time.
DANNY WHITEMAN
September 15, 2010
I WORKED WITH JIM AT BALL METAL AND REXAM. WE NEVER RODE TOGETHER BECAUSE HE RODE IN THE DIRT AND I RODE ON THE STREET. BUT WE SHARED THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLES TOGETHER. I WAS SAD WHEN JIM AND DONNA MOVED TO COLORADO BUT WE STAYED IN TOUCH. NOW IT IS HARD TO THINK THAT JIM IS NO LONGER ON THIS PLANET WITH US. GOD BLESS YOU DONNA AND FAMILY.
Krzysztof (Krys) Szafranski
September 15, 2010
Jim, rest in Peace. My deepest condolences to Jim FAMILY
Roger and Tanya Begley
September 14, 2010
JIm loved life and he loved his family. His smile lit up the room and his laugh was infectious. We will forever hold those memories dear of camping and riding at Cascade. There is comfort in knowing that we will meet again, dear friend. Jim, you will forever be in our memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and family.
Laura Wolterstorff
September 14, 2010
One of the nicest guys I ever worked with. He always was happy to see me, and was so easy to talk to. I'll miss Jim a lot.
September 14, 2010
Jim, we had a few experiences "growing up" in high school at Armijo- experiences that made lasting memories the rest of our lives. From the obituary it sounds like you had a full and wonderful life- that's what counts, family. Thoughts and prayers to your family. Dennis and Carol Fogleman, Vacaville CA
jude (Mendenhall) Caulfield
September 14, 2010
Jim is no longer in pain now...my condolences go out to his wife and family..I knew Jim in high school...may Jim rest in peace now
Linda Melton
September 14, 2010
What a wonderful man, I didn't get to spend very much time with Jim, living so far away, but the time I did have was very special. We will miss you, rest in sweet peace.
Terri Krieger-Heaney
September 14, 2010
I worked with Jim for a short time and he was always warm and friendly. I looked forward to coming in just to be able to say Hi to Jim and have conversation, he was so easy to talk to. My heart and prayers go out to you, Donna, and your family. I know how hard it is to let a love one go, but Jim is in a better place now. God bless all the Ruffer's and may you find peace.
bob burroughs
September 14, 2010
enjoyed working with jim and his sense of humor at ball fairfield. Jim, save a place for me at that big can line in the sky, on 2nd thought, I think we can find something better to do, rest in peace.
September 14, 2010
Donna & Family,
Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers always. Donna Prentice
Ray Venning
September 14, 2010
Some of my fondest memories include chasing Jim on the trails of Stoneyford and Knoxville. Jim will always be missed by those of us lucky enough to have known and ridden with him. Rest in peace, friend.
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