James A. Ruddell

James A. Ruddell "Smoker Jim" Ruddell received his angel wings on February 16, 2018, at 6:40am. He was at home with his family and passed away peacefully after a long, valiant fight for his life after complications from a cardiac procedure. He was 71. Jim was born in 1946 in Los Angeles, California. He had an idyllic childhood growing up in Highland Park and Eagle Rock where he spent his early years playing in the hills, camping, fishing, and surfing. His family spent many years vacationing in Baja, which played a key role in Jim's life. He attended Eagle Rock H.S. where he played football and received honors as an All City Right Tackle. In 1966, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years in Germany with the Military Police. He was chosen to attend NCO School, graduating at the top of his class. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1969. He traveled Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, settling in Greece on the island of Crete. After returning home in the '70's, he met and married Jennifer, and raised her son Gary as his own. In 1985, he met his second wife, Kathleen through mutual friends on the Central Coast. They were both living in L.A. at the time. They were married in 1988. Their daughter Angelina Rose was born in 1992, and in 1995 they bought their home in Morro Bay. Soon after, Jim inherited a smoker from his cousins. He experimented, and influenced by his Cajun roots, he found his passion! While smoking fish in his backyard, he developed a strong customer base, selling smoked fish by the side of the road with his 4 year old daughter, who sold brownies. The family opened Ruddell's Smokehouse in 2001. With the help of his wife, daughter, sister, two nephews and a wonderful staff, Ruddells' Smokehouse has become a Cayucos destination. The Smokehouse has been recognized for it's unique food offerings by the L.A. Times, N.Y. Times, Sunset Magazine, Food Network's Bobby Flay, a surf magazine in New Zealand, as well as many other food and lifestyle publications. Ruddell's Smokehouse will continue to be run by his wife and his "boys" whom he loved. Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen; daughter, Angelina Rose; son, Gary (Lisa); 4 grandchildren; brother, Ray; sisters: Michelle, Mary and Julie; and in-laws and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim lived a serendipitous life full of adventures. He never met a stranger. He was community oriented. He was not afraid of life's challenges. Through his kind heart, generosity, integrity and work ethic, he built life long relationships. Always a happy man, Jim had a voice and a smile that would light up the room. His love and commitment to family was fierce. With his unwavering faith in God, we believe he is resting in peace. A Paddle out to honor Jim is at 9:00 am, Saturday, March 17, 2018, followed by a gathering at the Vet's Hall Pavillion. Meet at Ruddell's Smokehouse. A funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cayucos. Onward