James J. Rucker, 89, of Waukee and formerly of Panora and Tama, passed away September 18, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Brian Oliver officiating. Interment will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at 2:00 PM 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 P.O.W. camp for a period of time.
On November 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 twenty 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 basketball.
Survivors include one son, Richard J. (Delynn) Rucker of Las Vegas, NV; 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, MN and Community Living Center at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.