James Rugens

James Rugens ,85, of Rocky Hill, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, March 8th. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Anthony and Helen (Sarkus) Rugens. Jim attended local schools and was a graduate of the E.C. Goodwin Technical School. He spent most of his life working in the manufacturing industry. He retired from the Prototype Plastic and Mold Company in Middletown twenty years ago, where he served as a purchasing agent. After his retirement, Jim fully embraced his passion for antique toys and orphan automobiles. He was an active member of the Nash Car Club of America, the Studebaker Driver's Club and Antique Automobile Club of America for many years. He attended hundreds of estate auctions, car shows and automotive flea markets looking for lost treasures. Jim is survived by his two sons, Michael Rugens of Rocky Hill, Steven Rugens and his wife Terri of Wethersfield, and a daughter Elise Rugens of New London. He also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Rita Routhier of Newington and Liz Rugens of Kensington along with several nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews whom he cherished dearly. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Janine (Routhier) Rugens, a brother-in-law, David Routhier, two brothers, Edward and Leonard Rugens and a sister-in-law Alice Rugens. Funeral Services will begin on Thursday morning, March 16, 2017, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, 5 St. John Court, Cromwell. Burial with Rites of Committal will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Newington Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ryan T. Lee Foundation, 103 Peter Parley Row, Berlin, CT 06037, or the Forgotten Angels Sanctuary, Inc., 442 Rixtown Road, Griswold, CT 06351. To leave an online expression of sympathy for the family, please visit www.newingtonmemorial.com.