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James Rutherford Obituary

Orange County - Dr. James David Rutherford, 99, died on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at his home in Fullerton at Morningside, surrounded by his loved ones. He was married 74, years to Joan (Beichel) Rutherford; until her passing, in November 2018. Doctor lost his son 75, James Michael Rutherford in December 2020. He is survived by his Daughter Stephanie Hurd, and Daughter and son in law Kimberly and Robert Laraba. Also survived by Kathy (Fajardo) Rutherford (his son's widow). Survived by 10 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren (one more on the way), and 7 great-great grandchildren. As well as many close friends and colleagues. Born and raised in Thorndale Texas. The son of Moultrie and Mattie (Young) Rutherford. He was raised as a staunch Southern Baptist. He had one older sister Louise. In his early years, he picked cotton, starting at the age of five for 05 cents an Hr./50 cents a day. He would also mow neighbors' lawns and delivered death notices. He graduated high school at 16, and went on to college for one year taking general ed. At 18 he enlisted in the service. While stationed in Santa Barbara, he met Joan at a dance. They married in 1944. Their son James was born 1 week shy of their first anniversary in 1945. Having returned home after World War II, he would start a job working as a traveling salesman. He came home one night after work and told Joan, "I've decided to become a doctor". She said, "can we make it?". He said, "We can". Then she replied, "let's go get it". During the next 10 years they both worked while he went to school. In 1952, they welcomed a daughter, Stephanie. He became a doctor in 1958. The Rutherford family moved to La Habra in 1959. In 1961 they added one more daughter, Kimberly. He practiced medicine for the next 32 years in La Habra. Dr. Rutherford truly cared for his patients and became friends with many until the end. He had a knack for business, a passion for thoroughbred horses, which he owned and raced many. He also was an owner of River Downs Racetrack in Cincinnati Ohio for many years, until they sold the track. He was an avid golfer belonging to Hacienda Golf Club for 40 plus years. From his southern roots his staple food was pinto beans and cornbread which he still loved to eat. He loved fishing in Anchorage Alaska, for Salmon. He enjoyed a good card game of gin rummy, and he was enthusiastic about playing Keno and enjoyed his Vodka Martini with 3 olives. He and Joan traveled the world by land, plane, and sea. They especially enjoyed going on cruises. Dr. owned a home in Honolulu Hawaii for 35 years which they visited 3 or 4 times a year. He cared greatly for his children, and all his grandchildren. He will be missed and loved by everyone's lives he has touched. We take comfort in knowing he is with his wife and son, and many other loved ones. A funeral Service will be held on August 21, 2021, at 9:30 AM at Williamsburg Chapel, Memory Gardens Memorial Park Brea CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Orange County Register on Aug. 15, 2021.

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3 Entries

David P Batistelli

September 30, 2021

I´m so sorry I loved him very much and was very proud to be named after such a great man !

Dr Dan & Frau Gerda Hatton

August 21, 2021

My wife and I just heard of this very sad news. My mother, who passed away this past January 2021, worked for Dr Rutherford way back when son Jim & I were in La Habra HS. I tried to contact son Jim last year because I hadn't heard for him in over a year. I contacted him so he could let his father know of my mother's passing, but heard nothing. Now I know why. Dr Rutherford was a great human being and humanitarian. He even offered to help me through medical school if I attended. Of course, being young I was grateful. Many years later I went to graduate school. Dr Rutherford was my hero back in high school and ever since. God Bless you Jim. The Hatton family from California to Manassas, VA.

Cathy Cartwright

August 16, 2021

My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

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Funeral service

9:30 a.m.

Williamsburg Chapel, Memory Gardens Memorial Park

Brea, CA

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