of Marion, AR

June 30, 1952 - November 15, 2025

Jim Rutledge passed away peacefully at his home, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, love, and unwavering faith. Born on June 30th, 1952, in Searcy, Arkansas, Jim was the son of Allen and Sue Rutledge. He departed to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, due to complications resulting from throat cancer.

Jim was a Christian. He was a strong-willed, sometimes stubborn man. He was also a loving and committed husband, father, grandfather, great leader of the household, and community servant. Jim was a great example for his children and grandchildren. He kept high expectations for all those around him.

Jim spent the first half of his career in commercial construction. He later returned to school as an adult, earning a degree, and began a career as Safety Manager for Dupont Chemical in Millington, TN, for nearly 20 years.

Matthew 20:28 states, ''The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.''

Jim's jobs were always ''just'' to pay the bills. His heart led him to a full life of serving God and serving others. Jim's spirit of service started young with the 4H club, ROTC, and he was a founding charter member of the Parkin Jaycees. He served 20 years with the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, including a term as Chief. Jim served over 25 years on the AR Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team in various roles and deployed dozens of times locally and across the country, including Texas, New York, and multiple deployments to Louisiana. He also served on numerous local and international mission trips through First Marion Church, including trips to Brazil, Ukraine, and several trips to Alaska, to show the love of Jesus and share the gospel. Jim served as a Sunday school teacher of his class for over 30 years. He was an active member of Gideon's International. He even cared for and assisted multiple widows on his street throughout his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Allen, and Margie Sue; his older brother, Richard; as well as many other family members.

Jim is survived by his wife and love of his life for 55 years, Linda; son, James Allen (Kristi); daughter, Stephanie; stepsons, Tony, Russell (Valerie) and Junior; grandchildren, Zachary, Sara Grace, Sarah and Alicia; brother-in-law, Skipper (Lupita); and nephew, Michael Shane.

Jim was indeed a busy bee, never wanting to sit idle. When he wasn't serving God or others, he loved to be outside and work in his yard and any other yard in the neighborhood that he wanted. He loved to take quick vacation getaways in his Ford Mustang, often one a month. He loved family being together and loved impromptu family visits. He loved taking his grandchildren on adventures and teaching them life skills. Jim loved to give and get a laugh. He was always looking to give a funny comeback to anything that anyone said.

Jim left an exemplary legacy of love and service. He will be fondly remembered and intensely missed until we are all together again.

2 Timothy 4:7 says, ''For I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.''

May Jim inherit all 5 crowns and many spiritual treasures in the presence of the Lord.
His granddaughter Sara Grace, or Sara G. as he called her, said she bets as soon as he got to heaven, he asked Jesus for the keys to the mower and is out mowing around the Pearly Gates.

A graveside service will be held Thursday November 20, 2025, at 2 o'clock pm at Crittenden Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to The Gideon's International PO Box 1296, West Memphis, AR 72303 or to First Marion Church, 2137 Arkansas 77, Marion AR, 72364 â€" please designate for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com