James J. Rucker

James J. Rucker, 89, of Waukee and formerly of Panora and Tama, passed away Sept. 18, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Brian Oliver officiating. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown.

James was born on July 11, 1925, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Marion C. and Katherine A. (Upah) Rucker. He graduated from Tama High School. James was especially proud of being a member of an undefeated football team while in school. James served his country in the U.S. Army 42nd Rainbow Division during World War II, where he was in a German POW. camp for a period of time. On Nov. 23, 1947, he was united in marriage to Ruth Ellen Burnes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. James helped his father in the grain business in Gladstone and retired after 20 years at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown. James was a member of the United Methodist Church, American Legion, VFW, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Masonic Lodge and Shriners. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting. He loved watching high school girls' and college women's basketball. Survivors include one son, Richard J. (Delynn) Rucker of Las Vegas; one daughter, Deborah Ann (Del) Maxwell of West Des Moines; three grandchildren, Janis (Abel) Zeleke, Jeremy (Amanda) Rucker and Caasi (James) O'Day; five great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Zana and Maya Zeleke, Maylee and Maxson Rucker; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Ruth, in 2007; and several brothers and sisters. Memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis and the Community Living Center at the VA hospital in Des Moines.