Joseph Michael Rulien

Joseph Michael Rulien
September 14, 1957 – November 14, 2024
Joseph "Joey" Rulien, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 14, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born to Jack and Maureen Rulien in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on September 14, 1957.
Joey had a spirit as vibrant as the Florida sunsets he loved. Funny, kind, and fiercely stubborn, Joey was a man of simple yet deep loves: God, his family, evening bike rides, telling stories, Zephyrhills bottled water, and the Florida Gators.
Growing up in Jacksonville Beach alongside his siblings-Dave, Jackie, and Mary-Joey's childhood unfolded in a world of sun-soaked bike rides around the beaches with a gang of loyal, if mischievous friends, the OFM, who all had ridiculous nicknames. Joey became known as "The Joker." He kept both this name and the close friendships for the rest of his life.
Sports were woven into Joey's life. From childhood, he loved being outside and staying active. Throughout his younger years, he became a skilled baseball and basketball player. He continued his love for these games throughout his high school years, playing for the Fletcher Senators (Class of 1975).
By 1980, life had new plans for Joey. While working as a bartender at Brewmasters in Jacksonville, he met the love of his life, Theresa Thweatt. On their first date, he took her to see Airplane. Despite Joey's questionable taste in movies, they embarked on a 44-year relationship, marrying on June 28, 1986.
Joey and Theresa lived in Gainesville through the 1980s and '90s and had their first two children there: Caitlin Ashley in 1988 and Dustin Matthew in 1993. They returned to Jacksonville to be closer to their parents, and in 1996, Dillin Michael was born, completing their family.
Joey was the best father. He was the rock his children leaned on, a constant source of guidance and gut checks. His family knew he'd drop everything to be there when they needed him, whether to fill an empty gas tank, drive across town to weed-eat his daughter's yard, manage his parents-in-law's pool, or just offer advice. He wanted to raise his children to be kind, happy, contributing members of society-no matter how they chose to make their way. He was so proud of who they've grown up to be.
Beyond his own family, Joey's influence extended to a network of friends and teams who admired his passion and felt his care. As he guided his own children, he also became a father figure to many of their friends. He participated in their elementary PTA for the 13 years they all moved through elementary school. For years, he coached his sons' YMCA Flag Football teams from ages five until they entered middle school. Afterward, he assisted at practices, provided every pre-game meal with Theresa, and always volunteered to run the chains on the sidelines throughout his sons' high school football experiences at Paxon. He was a true Coach.
Joey eagerly joined his family and friends on the field or court in church or recreational leagues whenever the opportunity arose. Whether it was Ultimate Frisbee with a youth group, softball with the church league, or basketball with his sons, Joey's fierce competitive side shone through. But winning never overshadowed the teamwork he valued most.
His love for Florida football was legendary. A season ticket holder since the 1980s, Joey and Theresa rarely missed a home game for decades. Beyond the football field, they often took summer road trips for their anniversary, loving to explore state and national parks. During their countless trips to visit Western North Carolina, they enjoyed "chasing waterfalls," whitewater rafting, and hiking to beautiful vistas. Overall, Joey just really loved being outside.
Joey cherished North Florida's natural beauty. From paddling down the Santa Fe River to tumbling through the surf at 19th Ave N, from camping at Ginnie Springs to hunting for shark teeth, he found peace and adventure outdoors. His signature blue Gators hat became a Baymeadows fixture as he rode his bike through the streets in the evenings, soaking in the late afternoon sun.
Joey's life was also guided by his faith. A member of First Presbyterian Church for over 30 years, he and Theresa taught elementary Sunday School together; he served as a Trustee, took care of the church grounds, provided security, participated in Youth events including camping excursions, and was Scout Master of the church Boy Scout troop. Joey felt his faith strongly, lived with gratitude and reminded those around him that we all have faults, and it's up to us to determine how we react to them.
Joey's volunteer hours didn't stop with the church. He was Theresa's right-hand man at Child Guidance Center, providing countless hours of facility assistance with flooding water heaters and fish tanks, groundskeeping, and malfunctioning lift station pumps, all to save the organization the money he knew they did not have.
Above all, Joey was the embodiment of unconditional love. He taught his family how to laugh, play, and get past hard things ("because they're going to happen").
He taught us how to not only be happy but also to appreciate how lucky we are.
Joey was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Maureen, and his older sister, Jaclyn "Jackie." He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Theresa Thweatt Rulien; his daughter Caitlin Rulien (Chris); his sons Dustin Rulien (Nicole) and Dillin Rulien; his siblings Dave (Jenny) and Mary (Louis); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who regarded him as family.
For those who carry on his memory, please share a story of Joey with us. We will have time at the reception to share in those memories. Joey's Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. Please feel free to wear whatever reminds you of Joey.