James Robert Rutz (Jim)
James Robert Rutz (Jim) was born October 24, 1936, on his family’s farm near Hope, Kansas. Jim was the sixth of ten children born to Jake and Valene (James) Rutz. As a child Jim was raised to be a hard-working farm boy. He lived a simple life with his siblings and parents where he also learned a deep devotion to family. In his early years, he attended primary school through junior high in a one room schoolhouse. His true colors shone even then, when he would carry the weight of his younger sister, Carol Sue, on his back through the snow to keep her from having to endure the walk.
Jim attended Hope High School where his life-long love of sports began. While he participated in every sports opportunity offered, football became a passion. This eventually led him to earn a scholarship to play football at Labette Co. Community College in Parsons, Kan. Little did he know, his love of football would also lead him to the love of his life, Emma Beth Crawford. The couple dated for nine months and were joined in marriage on August 17,1956. When asked by one of his granddaughters some years ago how he knew Emma Beth was the one, he replied, “She was sitting there on the divan in her bikini, and I just knew!”
On August 2, 1957, Jim and Emma Beth welcomed their first child, Elizabeth Jane. Libby, as they called her, did not keep her status as the only child for long. Sixteen months later, their small family expanded with the arrival of their second daughter, Julie Ann. Although Libby wanted to return her, the family remained a family of four for several years.
While Jim and Emma Beth were in the early stages of building their family, he was also advancing his career and opportunities. His years of farming as a youngster and his strong work ethic continued to serve him well. In his own words, Jim began his career with the COOP as a grunt man, but before he was 40, he was managing the place. His career with COOP spanned over 40 years and was greatly influenced by his mentor Clyde Easter. Mr. Easter encouraged Jim by telling him he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. With this encouragement, Jim went on to be a diligent and faithful employee. He remembered his years and what the COOP afforded his family with great fondness.
During these years, the Rutz family was also growing. Jim and Emma Beth welcomed their first and only son, Stephen James, on June 18, 1966. History repeated itself; Steve wasn’t the baby for long. On October 2, 1968, Teresa Lyn completed the Rutz family and maintained the status of “baby of the family” for good. Once again, the not-too-much-older sibling was determined to send the new baby back where she came from, but when Emma Beth said that she loved her, Steve said, “Ok, you can keep her.”
Without a doubt, Jim was devoted to his family. Each year he was allotted two weeks of vacation. One week of which he spent working for his best friend and cousin Marvin Ryff, so that the family could take a real vacation in that second one. His children and friends remember Jim as hard-working, but also as someone who made time for fun. He was a beloved figure in the lives of Marvin’s children, his brother's and sisters’ children and any other child with whom he interacted. This tradition continued with his grandchildren who adored their Pa.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill and Wayne; his sisters, Kay, Betty, Gloria and Carol. Ray Rutz of Houston, Texas, Joyce Gaston of Abilene, Kan., and Shirley Pennington of New Castle, Ind., are his three surviving siblings.
Jim is also survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Emma Beth of Minneapolis, Kan., and their four children: Libby and Dwayne Brown of Minneapolis, Kan., Julie and Barry Nelson, of Delphos, Kan., Steve Rutz, of Goodland, Kan., and Teresa and Eric Jaquez, of Albuquerque, N.M. His legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. Burial will be in the New Basel Cemetery, Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be made to New Basel Church in Abilene, Kan.; Living Cornerstone Church in Delphos, Kan., and may be left in care of the funeral home.