James "Rut" Robert Lee Rutherford Sr.

Robert was born on May 20, 1950, to Archie &Lovell (Dozier) Rutherford.

Robert leaves to cherish his memories of his loving and devoted wife Linda of 32yrs. Also, 5 children form a previous marriage: Chautauqua (Connell) Joyner of Decatur, IL, Kenneth (Shari) Rutherford, Sr of Peoria, IL, Taurus (Contia) Rutherford, Sr., Myra Rutherford of Austin, TX, James Robert L. Rutherford, Jr. of Jackson, FL, 3 stepchildren: Darius Rogers of Marina City, CA, Taneka Smith of Denver, Co., Latonia Smith of Peoria, IL. 26 Grand Children and 14 Great Grandchildren. 5 Siblings: Shirley M. Rutherford of Peoria, IL, Tabitha Foster of Marietta, Ga, Larissa Rutherford of Peoria, IL Nicholas Rutherford of Peoria, IL, Tim Page of Peoria, IL, 3 Sister-in-laws: Dorothy White of McDonough, GA, Ollie (Darhyl) Dunham or Sun Prairie, WI. Ethel (Cleveland) Brown, Sr. of Peoria, IL, Brother-in-law Carl E. Rogers of Peoria, IL, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family, and Friends.

Robert attended Peoria Public Schools and graduated from Manual High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Robert was in the Town & Country Bowling League. He coached Manual JFL Football. Robert often enjoyed playing darts, pool, and chess. Also, he was a self-proclaimed bidwiz champion. If you happen to lose to him in a game, he would say “ have you not seen my videos” as if he created the game himself. Robert was a member of the Local 353 Steamfitters as a pipefitter for 50yrs. He last worked for Peoria Housing Authority where he was Supervisor for the maintenance department.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and Brother Ernest Rutherford.

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions and condolences may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com.