James F Rucker

James Frere “Jim” Rucker regrets to announce his departure from this wonderful life on Sunday, the 7th of January 2018. Were he able, he would assure us that, until that event, everything had been pretty much okay…being a firm believer that Life is God’s greatest gift.

Jim was born on the 1st of March 1926, in Coolidge, Kansas, the third child of John William Rucker and Grace Rebecca Rucker (nee Christensen). The family soon moved a few miles west to Lamar, Colorado, where Jim completed grade and high school. He enlisted in the Navy in February of 1944 and was honorably discharged in May of 1946 without ever firing a shot in anger. The G.I. Bill offered the opportunity to attend and graduate from Colorado School of Mines in 1952 with a degree of Geological Engineer, a vocation and avocation that he greatly enjoyed his entire life. It was there that he met and married his beloved wife, Polly Grigg, in 1951…a loving companionship that endured until her death in 2011.

Their marriage was blessed with three loving and out-standing children. Becky (Bill) Edmondson, Debbie (Terry Hunter) Maloch and David (Diana) Rucker; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They, along with dear nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends provided an abundance of shared joy and happiness throughout his life.

Jim’s employment history as an exploration geologist included Union Oil, British American, Texas Gulf Sulphur and Monsanto, taking him to far-away places. He left the corporate world after 20 years to explore on his own behalf, achieving modest success and serving as a long-term consultant to the Rowan Companies. Although exploration was his passion, Jim had a great interest in everything …ranging from ancient man to modern-day economics and was not reluctant to voice an opinion, even when not sought.

He is preceded in death by his dear parents; brothers Charles (who died in infancy), and best friend David Leroy who died in 2005.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 14th of January, in the Jasek chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, Jim would request with gratitude that memorial contributions for his favorite charity, which honors his loving wife, be directed to the Polly Rucker Scholarship Fund, St. Thomas More Parish School, 5927 Wigton Dr., Houston TX, 77096.

It is his most sincere hope to be remembered by family and friends as good-humored, kind, generous, loving (choose one or more) and that he be granted forgiveness for any pain or anguish caused by unthinking act or word. His love of music and poetry evokes this closing, “Hail to thee, blithe spirit…and good night, sweet prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” God Bless.