James "Jim" Rutledge

“…. The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye. The story of love is hello and goodbye until we meet again. “– Jimmie Hendrix

James “Jim” Elton Rutledge honorable and dedicated husband and father at 69 years of age passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on January 25, 2018 after a long and well fought battle with cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Jim’s final days on earth were spent the same as he lived his entire life, creating loving and happy memories with his family that will last a lifetime.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Celia Rutledge, his sister Peggy and his niece Lindsey.

Jim had an evident passion for music and was possibly the Beatles most dedicated, if not biggest fan. You could find him with headphones on almost any given day listening to the music he loved and collected. He had a tremendous appreciation for the outdoors and nature ranging from trips to national parks to a simple back yard campfire.

A committed Tigers and U of M fan (Go Blue), a sports enthusiast and even a coach to his girls and grandkids over the years, to know Jim was to know the score of any game at almost any time.

To say Jim loved animals would be an understatement his compassionate heart cared for many pets over the years of his life and when he passed they too stood faithful by his side.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend Annemarie, his daughters, Rebecca (Jimmie), Melissa and Diana. Grandkids, Kiana (Kyle), Benjamin James and Addyson Grace. Sister’s and Brother’s, Louis (Laura), Juanita, Jean, Mike (Janet), Patt (Winston) along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim consistently displayed the actions of love and was loved fiercely in return. His kind, generous, and caring soul is what was felt and loved by all who knew him.

His tenacious spirit helped navigate him though some of life’s most difficult moments and it is in that spirit along with his courage, strength, bravery and perseverance that we were blessed to have him with us. Jim’s life was our gift and for this we will be forever grateful.

We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of Holland for their wonderful team of angels, their support and love.

A memorial service in Jim’s honor will be held on Saturday, February 3 at 1pm at Dykstra’s Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave, Holland.

“And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make” – Beatles

“Don’t pity the dead. Pity the living and above all pity those who live without love” - JK Rowling