Dr. James W Ruff
Dr. James W. Ruff born June 26, 1924 died on Tuesday September 18, 2018 at Overlook Hospital in Summit NJ surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in Roselle Park, NJ. A graduate of Roselle Park High School class of 1942, he was the President of his graduating class. Jim was also an outstanding athlete in football and wrestling.
Jim went on to complete one semester at Rutgers University before he was drafted by the United States Army in 1943. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 11th Airborne Division Parachute Infantry in World War II, where he fought in New Guinea and the Philippines and was part of the Occupation Forces in Japan, and the Pacific Theatre.
After the Army Jim graduated Magna cum Laude at Northern Illinois College of Optometry in 1947.
Jim and his brother Robert had an Optometric practice for 45 years. He was a life member of the New Jersey Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Jim loved to play golf and was a member of the Roselle Golf Club, where he had two holes in one. He was a member of the Cranford Dramatic Club where he was seen on stage for several productions but spent most of his time building sets. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford where he sang with the Chancel Choir and rang with the Bell Choir. He had been singing in church choirs since 1947.
His wife Margaret (Peg) preceded him in December 2011. They had two children James A. Ruff (deceased) and Lynne Davis of Las Vegas Nevada. He is survived by four grandchildren, Justin (who is also his adopted son), Christopher, Jonathan, and Jennifer. He also had many great-grandchildren that he loved so much. His brother, Dr Robert W. Ruff of Mountainside who passed February 21, 2010
A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 29, 2018 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, 11 Springfield Ave Cranford, NJ 07016. There will also be a lunch after the service at the church. Arrangements by Gray Memorial Funeral Home, Cranford. You may go to grayfuneralhomes.com for on line condolences.
In lieu of flowers please make a Memorial Donation in loving memory of Dr. James W. Ruff to the Music Department, First Presbyterian Church, 11 Springfield Ave. Cranford NJ 07016