John C. "Jack" Ruckelshaus II

John C. "Jack" Ruckelshaus II

85, passed away surrounded by loving family on May 22, 2015. Jack was born in Indianapolis on January 4, 1930 to John K. and Marion Ruckelshaus. 

Jack graduated from Park School.  He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning his Bachelor's degree.  Jack began pursuing his law degree from Indiana University while working full-time.  During his last semester of law school, Jack entered public service as an Indiana State Senator and he served in the State Senate from 1957 to 1964.  Upon his graduation from law school Jack joined the firm his grandfather established in 1895, the Ruckelshaus Law Firm. 

Jack followed up his work in the Senate with a successful run for the Indianapolis Public School Board serving a four year term.  He was a member of the inaugural Indianapolis City-County Council, and served as a Councilman until 1973.

In the 1960's, "Ruck" launched a life-long professional relationship with firefighters and police officers.  He began providing legal counsel to members of the Fraternal Order of Police (F.O.P.) in 1966. Jack was instrumental in creating a Legal Defense Fund for Hoosier F.O.P. members. Jack served as General Counsel for the Indiana State F.O.P., Indianapolis F.O.P. Lodge #86, Professional  Firefighters Union of Indiana, and Indianapolis Firefighters Local #416 until his retirement in 2012.  In fact, Jack served as the first General Counsel for the National F.O.P. and held that post for eight years.   Jack was a tireless advocate for the entire public safety community, stating in 1977 that "a civilized society cannot survive when the ordinary institutions of government unite against the guardians of civilization."

Jack was a member of the Indianapolis and Indiana State Bar Associations.  He practiced primarily in the areas of general litigation, police and fire associations, and public safety officer defense. Jack was responsible for several successful court decisions and legislative initiatives that greatly improved the personal and professional lives of countless police officers and firefighters.

On January 1, 2012, Jack formally retired from the practice of law with the firm bearing his name, but remained engaged with his partners and continued to provide invaluable advice to the firm's remaining members.

Jack is survived by wife, Patricia Carter Ruckelshaus; daughter, Lucinda Conley; daughter, Jacqueline (Joseph) Sergi; son, John (Mary) Ruckelshaus III; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Demuth, Bryan  (Monika) Conley, Daniel Sergi, Emily (Brad) Piatt, Drew Ruckelshaus, Maggie Ruckelshaus and John C. ("Jay") Ruckelshaus IV; great grandchildren, Megan, Carter and Caden Demuth; sister, Marion (Mark) Ruckelshaus Bitzer ; brother, William D. (Jill)  Ruckelshaus.  Jack was preceded in death by daughter, Ruthie Nicholson Ruckelshaus. 

Family will greet friends briefly from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2015 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 5692 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN.  Burial will take place immediately following at Crown Hill Cemetery.  A reception will follow the burial at a location to be announced at the services.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are asked to be made to the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, 1427 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46201 and the Indianapolis Firefighters Museum and Survive Alive, 718 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Jack was a mentor and loyal friend to so many; an endless source of knowledge; and a gentle hero to guide you down the path of life. Arrangements by Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel.