James J. Ruma

James (Jim) Joseph Ruma, age 80, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 4, 2026. Jim was the beloved husband of Delores (Dee) Ruma, devoted father to Matthew (Sheila) Ruma, Mark Ruma, Jennifer Westich, and Christopher (Sylvia) Ruma. He was the cherished Papa of Laura, Jake, Nick, Zach, Josh, Emilio, Lorenzo, Luke, Santino, Lexi, Matteo, Luciano, Grace, and the great-grandfather of Elliana. He was the big brother to Fran (John) Hobbs, Ronald (Elsie) Ruma, John (Tina) Ruma, Vincent (Teri) Ruma, and Donald Ruma, and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Laura (Leible) Ruma. Jim was born on July 17, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, his family moved to Michigan. From an early age, he discovered a love for tinkering with tools. In 1968, he graduated with an electrical engineering degree from Wayne State University. He worked at General Dynamics for many years and became the Vice President of Engineering. He married Dee, his high school sweetheart, on January 27, 1968, and they shared fifty-eight years together. They built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. Jim found great happiness in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished family trips to Traverse City, cheering at sporting events, and hosting Thanksgiving celebrations where family and friends gathered around his table. Jim was the kind of man to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, offering his time, wisdom, and support without hesitation. His words, “Do the next right thing,” were more than a favorite saying-they were the way he lived his life and a lasting lesson he passed on to his family and others. Above all else, Jim's faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. He faithfully served his family and church, and sought to reflect Christ's love through his generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others. His greatest hope was found in the promise of eternal life through his Savior. He will be missed dearly, but we take comfort in these verses. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15 Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10th, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm. at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd. (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke), Utica. A funeral service will be held the following day, August 11th, at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home at 10:30 am. James will be laid to rest at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East.

James J. Ruma

July 17, 1946 - August 4, 2026