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James Ruddick Obituary
He spent his childhood in Ponca City, OK, where he excelled in baseball, tennis, wrestling, and piano.
In 1957, after his family relocated to Southern CA, Jim graduated from Santa Monica High School. He then attended UCLA, where he majored in accounting, competed on the tennis team, and served as president of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. Continuing his academic journey, Jim earned his law degree from UCLA Law School.
While at UCLA, Jim met his wife, Julie and the two were married on January 15, 1966, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in North Hollywood, CA.
Before serving his country in the U.S. Air Force, Jim began his legal career at the law firm of Nossaman, Waters, Scott, Krueger, and Riordan in Los Angeles, CA.
He then served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, stationed at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, NM, for three years. After his honorable discharge, Jim and Julie settled in Manhattan Beach, CA, where he resumed his work with Nossaman.
In 1971, the family relocated to Marysville, CA, where Jim was appointed Deputy County Counsel. His legal career in public service continued as he became County Counsel and later City Attorney of Marysville. Jim practiced law with Keeley, Guthrie & Ruddick, and McDonough, Holland & Allen before retiring in 2007.
He was a dedicated father to his three children, Christa Flanery, Quinn Ruddick, and Laura Clack, passing on his love for skiing, tennis, and cycling, and supporting their endeavors in swimming, soccer, baseball, and basketball.
His guidance, love, and unwavering support shaped the lives of his children and extended to his grandchildren, who fondly knew him as a role model and mentor.
Jim is survived by his wife, Julie Ruddick; their children, Christa Flanery (Neal Hay), Quinn Ruddick (Valerie Ruddick), and Laura Clack (Brian Clack); and their five grandsons, Connor and Hayden Flanery, Carver, Kai, and Casey Ruddick.
Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp mind, and steadfast devotion to family.
A memorial service will be held in Jim's honor at St. Isidore Catholic Church on November 8, 2024, at 11 AM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ruddick
2 Entries
Debora Jones
October 26, 2024
The Ruddick Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. James set up our Corporation back in 1987 and was very informative in helping us. He was a soft spoken and very kind man.
God Bless you all .
Fred and Debbie Jones
Jones and Jones Concrete Inc. (retired)
Terry Keeley
October 26, 2024
Julie and family, kindly accept my condolences on Jim´s passing. He is someone I will never forget. I recall trying a case against him when he was with the County Counsel and his interviewing me to see if he wanted to practice law with our firm. After his accident I recall his saying he was reading the WSJ from start to finish each day and he was religious about working out. He was a great guy, a perfectionist and will be missed. I recall how proud he was of each of his children. All of you will be in our prayers. Love, Terry
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