James E. Rutledge

James Edward Rutledge, 75, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012 in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family and friends. He was born on November 11, 1936 in Harlingen, Texas to Jack Edward Rutledge and Dorothy Harrison.

Jim graduated valedictorian of his class at St. Joseph Academy in Harlingen. He attended Rice University and graduated from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He served in the Army Reserve. He worked as a technical writer for Dames and Moore, Conoco and Vista. He was a member of Toastmasters.

He was a retired pastoral associate at St. Jerome Catholic Church and was a retired permanent deacon. Jim was a Fourth Degree Knight of Colombus. He was involved in many parish activities and organizations including RCIA and The ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) Movement. He sponsored many Confirmation candidates.

His main focus for the past several years was the St. Vincent de Paul Society where he served on a daily basis to ensure everything was running properly in serving the less fortunate of the Spring Branch Community. He did extensive research for his homilies and they had a profound impact on many, many people.

Jim was known for his witty humor and his love of public speaking. He was a mentor and friend to many people.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Alice Mary Rutledge and his uncle Stuart Harrison. He is survived by his wife Margaret Petersen Rutledge, his son Jack Rutledge and wife Monika Galikova Rutledge and his sister Sally Head. He is also survived by his cousins and numerous members of the Petersen clan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Drive, Houston, Texas 77080. Luncheon will follow in the Father Raye Center at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77055.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Jerome Millennium Fund or St. Vincent de Paul Society.