James J. Ruede Sr.'s Obituary
James “Jimmy” J. Ruede Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 11th, 2019. Jim was born on April 15th, 1943, in Queens, NY to Bill and Connie Ruede. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1962. After completing Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island he served our country as a reservist for 6 years and obtained his Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. In order to provide for his young family Jim spent the early part of his adult life working in the mail room at Met Life, bar-tending and driving a taxi in New York City. When Met life opened a new office in Tulsa he took the opportunity to move the family to Oklahoma and provide them with a better life. Jim spent his career at Met Life serving as Director of New Business Sales Support. Jim Joined the Broken Arrow Elks lodge as his career was winding down. This would become one of his life’s great passions. He loved spending time with his Elk brothers and lady Elks. Over the next three decades Jim served as a trustee for five years and was instrumental in the financial wellbeing and growth of the lodge. He dedicated a significant amount of time helping to lead construction efforts of the lodge’s expansion. He had an incredible passion and love for his country. His patriotism was infectious and it was instilled in his children and his grandchildren. July 4th was a special day for him and every year he put on a spectacular firework display. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Connie Ruede, his wife Nancy Ruede and twin Brother John J. Ruede. He is survived by his four children, Jim and wife Germaine, Donna Ruede Clarke Swank and husband Eric, Sharon Ruede, Colleen Ruede Weeks and Husband Scott, first wife Noreen Ruede, brother William Ruede and Sister Patricia Krayser. He is also survived by his seven beautiful grandchildren Kaitlyn Clarke, Peyton Clarke, Chandler Clarke, Kailey Weeks, Karsyn Weeks, Remy Ruede and Greyson Weeks. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday May 17th at St. Anne Catholic Church 301 South 9th St. Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Interment to follow mass at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens 6500 S. 129th E. Ave A, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. Celebration of life following will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Broken Arrow Elks Lodge 10266 S 241st E. Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74014. In lieu of flowers donations to Wounded Warrior Foundation.
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