James “Jim” Downing Ruge of Allen, Texas passed away peacefully on April 3, 2016 at the age of 77. He was born on October 16, 1938 to John James and Laverla (Downing) Ruge in Twin Falls, Idaho. Jim married his sweetheart Joy Cullimore on June 30, 1961 in Salt Lake City, Utah in the LDS Salt Lake Temple. He touched many lives while living in the many places he lived: Twin Falls Idaho, Provo Utah, Petaluma California, Overland Park Kansas and his last few years living close to his kids and grandkids in Allen Texas.
Jim was a long time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his later teens, he played Junior American league baseball. He joined the Army Reserves at age 20. He attended BYU where he not only got a degree but found his eternal companion, Joy. He then spent most of his career in the insurance industry.
He was a devoted husband and father who had a great sense of humor and found joy in making people laugh. He loved serving others in small and simple ways. He enjoyed sports - especially baseball, gardening - grew beautiful flower beds, vegetable gardens and lawn; reading, listening to conservative talk radio, cooking and barbequing, and supporting his kids and grandkids in their activities.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joy C. Ruge of Allen, Texas; daughter, Kristi Marshall and husband Jeff of Parker, Texas; son, Kurt Ruge of Parker, Texas; daughter, Stacey Davies and husband Bron of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, Trenton James Green-Ruge, Ruston James Davies, Parker Monroe Davies, Connor James Marshall, Kameron Sion Davies and Kayli Marilyn Marshall.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Frances “Frankie” Maye who had died at age 5.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m which will be preceded by a viewing from 9:00-9:45 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Chapel Building, 1404 E. Main St., Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening, April 6, 2016, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.