Flint, Michigan
RUTHERFORD, James of Flint, age 84, died Thursday, January 14, 2010 at his residence. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Pastor Doug Klein officiating. Burial in Crestwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Flint Sports Hall of Fame and Flint Police Honor Guard and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #126. Visitation 3-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the funeral home. A memorial service by the Masonic Lodge No. 174 F.&A.M. will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. James was born in Flint, Michigan on April 23, 1925 and was a resident of Flint all of his life. He received a Masters Degree from Michigan State University and was a devoted Spartan. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1948, he began his career with the City of Flint Police Department and became the Police Chief in 1967. James was elected to his first of two terms as the Mayor for the City of Flint in 1975. He then returned to the Mayor's Office in 2002. His loyalty to the Flint community was exemplified by his involvement with the Downtown Development Authority, the Flint Sports Hall of Fame and the Crim Race. He was a member of many civic organizations including the Masonic Temple. Surviving are his children: Marcia and husband Louis Sanders of Florida, Michele and wife Erin-Kate Whitcomb of San Francisco, Michael and wife Dana Rutherford of Burton, James Rutherford and Debbie Sauer of Flint; fiancée- Genny Young of Flint; grandchildren: Amy Martin, Patrick Allard, Kelsey Rutherford, Ivan Rutherford, Jamie Sauer, Parker Rutherford-Whitcomb, Hayden Rutherford-Whitcomb, Prescott, Spencer and Kennedy Myers; great-granddaughter, Emeline Lifa Martin; brother, Frank and wife Betty Rutherford of Mt. Morris; sister-in-law, Marge Rutherford of Florida; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Elwood "Al" Rutherford. Your condolences may be shared with the family at
Marcia and Family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your father, he was the best Man Flint ever had. I'm sorry I could not be there. He was my friend.
Jerry Killian
January 20, 2010 | Bridgeport, WV
Mike, I was so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family.
Kathy Hanacek Weiss
January 19, 2010 | Olathe, KS
Mike,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family...
Barbara (McCollum) Theisen
January 19, 2010 | Scottsdale, AZ
I have crossed paths with many people in my lifetime. Some own seconds of my memory, some minutes, and then there are those that are simply special. It is there that I will place this man. Jim Rutherford was a great leader because he was a great man. I was lucky enough to get many special moments while working in the same building as Jim after he retired from leading Flint the first go round. I am better man for knowing Jim. I am grateful for the fatherly lessons and guidance, but most of...
Bill Burch
January 18, 2010 | Montrose, MI
Macia and family, we only met you dad once in Flint, many years ago. Marcia, you always spoke lovingly of him, and his many contributions to Flint and your family. You are a wonderful reflection of all that he stood for.
Sincerely,
Fern and Dave Sanders
St. Paul, Minnesota
January 18, 2010
Marcia and Lou & family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Linda Seltz
January 18, 2010 | Davison, MI
A GREAT MAN for the City of Flint and all around humanitarian. Always, The Inman family!
January 18, 2010
Mike and Michelle was deepest sympathies
Tim Sullivan
January 18, 2010 | Las Vegas, NV
Marcia and family, Sending our condolences. There will be a huge void with his passing. He was well respected and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Bob & Jan Taylor
January 18, 2010
