James Cecil Ruby

James (Jim) Cecil Ruby, Jr. was born on July 7, 1928 in Lockhart, Caldwell County, Texas to parents Louise Walter Ruby and James Cecil Ruby, Sr. who preceded him in death. He died, at the age of 76, on May 27, 2005 in Buda, Hays County, Texas while flying his ultralite plane with his son, Cecil. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jessie E. Peggy Ruby; his children, James Strickland Ruby and wife Stephanie and her children April, Tiffany, and Shawn, James Cecil Ruby, III and wife Marti and her children Zac, Stuart, and Abigail, Nikita Louise Ruby, Jessie Violet Elizabeth Ruby; grandchildren, Jason Ruby and wife Susy, Christopher Ruby, Nicholas P.C. Ruby, Melissa Louise Ruby, David Anthony Carducci, Ashley Carducci, and Cameron Carducci; two great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; his sister and brother-in-law, Gay and Jack Dahlstrom; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Lavern Bartlett, and Sally and Roland Baylor; his cousins, Ginger Jungman and her husband Ben, and John Clark and his wife, Carolina. Jim was a real individual – a man with a rugged Texas spirit; he was a builder, with a sense of adventure and persistence. He was also quite a character – not afraid to tell you what he was thinking or feeling. He shared his wisdom, his experience, his faith and his love with family and friends. Humor, graciousness and generosity were all integral parts of his life. As a young man, he worked with his father, Cecil Ruby, and his brother-in-law, Jack Dahlstrom, owning and operating a family highway construction business, the Cecil Ruby Company, from 1952 until he retired from the business in 1969. Cecil Ruby Co. built roads, highways, airports, and dams in Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico – some of the major projects included interstate highways in Texas, large portions of D/FW Airport, Dallas Love Field, the San Antonio International Airport and the Houston Hobby Airport. Cecil Ruby Co. was also involved in large construction projects in Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Soon after he left construction, he purchased and renovated the True Value Hardware store and Lumber Yard in Buda. He loved the business and grew it into a store rivaling any in nearby Austin. During that same time, he began to develop land in the Hays County area. He designed and built many subdivisions – including Leisurewoods, Meadowwoods, Sequoyah, and Crosshouse. And later in the 1990’s, he sold a portion of the Ruby Ranch to Michael Thames who developed it into the Ruby Ranch Subdivision. A favorite accomplishment during those days was the well laid-out and constructed roads in each subdivision. After his father’s death in 1993, Jim and Peggy moved from their ranch in Kyle to the Ruby home place outside Buda, where Jim continued his ranching business. He raised cattle, exotic game including Axis deer and Black Buck antelope, and horses for the grandchildren. Over the last 20 years, Jim was a dedicated member of the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, diligently working to solve water issues, to plant gardens, and to serve wherever he was called to help those in need. Most recently, he served the church for three years as a Junior Warden, devoting much love and many hours. What he enjoyed the most in these recent years was the time and love he spent with his wife, Peggy, his children and his grandchildren. The day he died he was planning to take his grandson, Cameron, fishing for catfish at a tank on the ranch. They had planned a big fish fry. His every thought was for his family and he loved them so much. Known as “the sweetest man I ever met”, he was a very kind hearted and loving man who would do anything for someone in need. A particular joy for him was traveling with his wife, Peggy. They visited most of the U.S. and Europe five times. Their favorite places were Alpine and Ft. Davis, Texas, where they explored, and walked and ate together often. They were always close friends and loving supportive partners. Jim was a man who intentionally devoted time and energy to deepening and broadening his relationships with family and with God. He felt blessed to feel God’s love and was able through that love to love others abundantly. He treasured times with his dad, before he died, and his sister who lived close by. He delighted in each one of his family and took great joy in a life of love and adventure. Even on his last day he was exploring a dream and loving those around him. We will all miss him. Serving as Pallbearers are David Anthony Carducci, Nicholas Ruby, Christopher Ruby, Jason Ruby, Shawn Sipes, Jack Dahlstrom, Jr., Channing Williams, Bill McDonald, Bert Wristen and James Bonds. In lieu of flowers those who wish may send a contribution to St. Albans Episcopal Church. The mailing address is: P.O. Box 368, Manchaca, Texas 78652. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 9:00 PM on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 1, 2005 at St. Albans Episcopal Church, 11819 I-35 South, in Austin. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com