Mr. James Edwin Ruffin

Mr. James Edwin Ruffin was a modest man, quiet and observant in his ways. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

James was born on September 12, 1933 at home in Valliant, Oklahoma. He was the son of Albert and Inez Ruffin. James grew up in Dewitt, Arkansas.

James was raised with two siblings. He had two older sisters, Ruby and Maxine. James was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, James had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. James was an active child who took part in basketball. In his spare time he worked. However, to James, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, James had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Dewitt High School in 1951. His favorite class in high school was Math.

On April 17, 1953 James exchanged wedding vows with Lola Faye Kelley at Narbonne Avenue Baptist Church of Lomita, California. Empathic and loyal, James was committed to making his new family happy.

James worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. James was blessed with five children, two sons, David and Steve, and three daughters, Barbara, Rebecca and Claudia. Another blessing for James was the gift of four grandchildren, Jared, Mark, Kristina and Shawn.

Fortunately, James enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, James worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Fireman. He was employed for 26 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. James always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuit was square dancing. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

James found pleasure in sports. Recreational sports included golf and walking. James was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball and college basketball.

James’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Narbonne Avenue Baptist Church for 35 years and then after relocating to Banning at Fellowship in the Pass Church for 22 years. During that time, he was a Deacon at Narbonne Baptist for one year until they moved.

James enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included anywhere a motor home will take you.

James was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of his favorites were Fuzzy, a mutt, and Randee, Kelley and Shannon, his Irish Setters. They were his best friends Fuzzy for 6 years, Kelley for 11 years, Randee for 8 years, and Shannon for 6 years.

When James’s retirement finally arrived in 1988, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Banning, California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing golf and traveling. James was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

James passed away on July 19, 2010 at Reche Canyon Convalescent Hospital in Colton, California. James suffered a massive stroke. He is survived by his wife, Lola F. Ruffin; five children, David (Janet) Ruffin, Barbara Ruffin, Stephen (Barbara) Ruffin, Rebecca (Robert) Hayes and Claudia (Erik) Urban; four grandchildren, Jared (Alisha) Ruffin, Mark (Christi) Ruffin, Kristina (Rick) Killingsworth and Shawn Ruffin; and three great grandchildren with one on the way; and his sister Ruby Gray. Services were held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at Fellowship in the Pass Church 650 E. Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont, California 92223. James was laid to rest in Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Mr. James Edwin Ruffin.

Arrangements under the direction of Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, CA.