James Kenneth Ruppert

1949 - 2024

James Kenneth Ruppert was born in Buffalo, New York, on Jan. 15, 1949, to Kenneth and Marjorie Ruppert. The second of four children, Jim declined to follow his father as an electrician in the steel yards and spent time at St. Bonaventure, Detroit, and Purdue Universities before earning his Ph.D in English (with a focus in Native American Literature) at the University of New Mexico.
He met Terry Boren there in 1972, and they married in 1984 after convincing each other that marriage was cool. Together they raised three children, and lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, after Jim took a job there as professor of English. From 1988 to 2019, he taught English, film, and Alaska Native studies, and earned the title of President's Professor. Jim and Terry returned to Albuquerque after retirement, and enjoyed the good company of friends, family, and sunshine for several happy years. He died on Oct. 5, 2024, following a short battle with cancer.
Jim was a renaissance man, with many talents and interests. He was fluent in German, held a 4th Degree Blackbelt in TaeKwonDo, and enjoyed Magic: The Gathering as a competitive player and occasional judge. He enjoyed good books, movies, wine and whiskey. He was a writer of prose and poetry, a loving husband, and a kind father. Steady, humorous, and wise, Jim was a reflection of man's old friends, coyote and raven.
Jim is survived by his wife, Terry Boren; brother, Kenneth (Bud); children, Kory, Spenser, and Darcy; and grandchildren, Carleigh, Teegan, Isaac, and Henry. He is greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim's name to UAF's Festival of Native Arts: www.uaf.edu/festival.