James Hulon Rutledge

James Hulon Rutledge was born on December 17, 1945, in Stockbridge, Georgia, to Joseph Wayman Rutledge and Bessie Mae Holden Rutledge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Willie Frank Rutledge, David Rutledge, Joseph “Nicky” Rutledge, Ronnie Rutledge, Waymon Rutledge, Lizzie Rutledge Hobby, Annie Grace Rutledge Hobby, Francis Rutledge Hay, Sarah Rutledge Allen, and Miriam “Scooty” Rutledge Holder. James entered into rest peacefully on February 6, 2026, at his home in Barnesville, Georgia.

James owned and operated a very successful septic tank business for 20 years. He was a hardworking provider who devotedly loved and cared for his wife of sixty-one years. He was a loving daddy and PawPaw who proudly took on the role of the best lawn-care maintenance pro and PawPaw after retiring in 2009. He was always eager and willing to show up—with tools and supplies in hand—at the mere mention of a project. He loved the outdoors, a good competitive game of cards, and especially spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren made him a softer man in his later years, although he still enjoyed good, playful banter with them. James had a contagious smile and an unmatched personality. If you knew him, you loved him—and he loved you too. James wasn’t a super-religious man, but we can rest assured in knowing that James knows and loves our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Faye Hinton Rutledge; son, Bryan Jason Rutledge (Jeana Rutledge); daughter, Brandy Michelle Rutledge Johnson (David Johnson); granddaughters, Lacy Alexus Johnson Henson (Caleb Henson), Haley McKenzie Rutledge, Madison Noelle Rutledge, Meagan Anne McIntyre (Justin McIntyre), and Michelle Ashley Wooten (Jordan Wooten); and great-grandchildren, Finn Solomon Bush, Stevie Rose Henson, Hank Callahan Henson, Georgia Claire McIntyre, Naomi Lucera “Lucy” McIntyre, and Sophia Marie Wooten.