James "Jim" Marshall Ruckdashel

Jim Ruckdashel passed away August 29, 2023 at the age of 87. He was born in Superior, WI and grew up in Duluth, MN, graduating from East High School. After serving in the Air Force he attended Clemson College on the GI Bill, in the Class of 1963.

In the spring of his senior year, the beautiful younger sister of Jim’s calculus professor came to campus for a party, which Jim also attended. It was love at first sight for him and Jo Hardy, and by the end of the weekend they knew they would be married. Their devotion to one another continued throughout their lives.

Jim worked for the Cutler Hammer Division of Eaton Corporation for over 35 years, his entire career. He moved with his family from Charlotte to Columbia, SC, to St. Louis, and to Atlanta. After retiring, he and Jo settled in Winston Salem.

The family grew to include three daughters, of whom Jim was extremely proud. In 1971, Jim brought home a new love, a 1934 Plymouth which had been sitting in the middle of a field. He lovingly restored her to award-winning beauty over the next 30 years.

Eventually she was sold and Jim’s car collection grew to include a 1958 Belvedere and a 1960 DeSoto. The cars were the genesis of deep friendships with his “Car Buddies,” relationships developed over monthly MOPAR Club car shows all over the Winston Salem area.

As his time grew short at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home, Jim’s last request was to see his beloved cars once more. His devoted friends went to his home, jump started the cars, and drove them to KBR, where the nursing team wheeled his entire bed into the parking lot. Jim was able to gaze longingly at his cars while their engines roared one last time.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jo Ruckdashel, his daughters Lee Ruckdashel Evans (Gerald) of Winston Salem, Cindy Ruckdashel Sokalick (Jeff) of Dallas, and Kelly Ruckdashel Bauer (Jerry) of Colorado Springs, as well as his grandchildren Michael, Mark (Maggie New), and Emily Evans, David and Katherine Sokalick, and Jacob and Soo Bauer. Also left to cherish his memory is his sister, Mary Lou Brinkman, of Spokane WA.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trellis Supportive Care or Meals On Wheels of Winston Salem.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.voglerfuneralhome.com for the Ruckdashel family.