James Martin Ruud

James "Jim" Martin Ruud, 92, husband of Margaret Barbre Ruud, of Easley, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2026.

Jim was was born at his grandparents' farm in Brantwood, WI to the late Martin E. and Jennie Saari Ruud of Phillips, WI, where he resided and attended Phillips School, graduating in 1951. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force on December 29, 1951, serving in New York, Wyoming, Japan, Maine, Wisconsin, Newfoundland and Labrador Province, Canada, South Carolina, Georgia, Turkey, North Dakota, Alaska, South Carolina, Turkey, and then back to Shaw Air Force Base where he retired on February 29, 1972. After retiring from the Air Force, Jim worked at Fiber Industries as manager for 10 years and later worked in the automotive industry for 36 years.

Jim was privileged to go on the Honor Flight with other service members in April 2016. He was active in the Easley Lion's Club, the American Legion Post 52, the VFW, and the Gamecock Club. Jim was an avid Gamecock fan and the sports trivia contact for the Joe's Ice Cream Parlor Coffee Club. He also attended and was an active member of Easley First United Methodist Church where he enjoyed serving God in church groups and mission trips.

Jim met his wonderful wife, Margaret "Daisy" Barbre on a blind date on October 31, 1957. They were married at Donaldson Air Force Base on February 14, 1958. They had two daughters, Sheri Stone (Mark) of Walterboro, SC and Kimberly "Kim" Susan Ruud, who sadly passed away on February 1, 2026. He is also survived by grandchildren, Matthew Nalley (Casey), Bailey Zaunbrecher (Shane), and Emily Stone (John Wagoner); great-grandchildren, Noah, Gunner, and Jameson Nalley, and Genevieve Zaunbrecher; a sister, Sally Huml of Philliips, WI; and two nieces and a nephew.

Jim and Daisy spent 68 happy years dancing in the kitchen, where they taught Sheri and Kim and many of their teenage friends how to shag.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 at Easley First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 589, Easley, SC 29641; or to the animal shelter of one's choice.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.