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 �" please designate for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Fund.
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12 Condolence(s)
Dentie and Becky Doyle
Monday, November 17, 2025
Our hearts go out to your family. Dentie worked with James and thought very highly of him. We always talked to him whenever we passed by the house and he was in the yard. We appreciated when he cut down and removed the tree in my mom's front yard after a wind storm. He was a fine Christian who will always be remembered with fondness.
Nathan Gibbs
Monday, November 17, 2025
I went on a mission trip with him to Alaska. A trip I will always remember because of Jim. Me a Jason Glenn held a ladder as Jim climbed it to fix a TV antenna. The ladder was straight up and not leaning on anything. It went up about 20 feet and he had no doubt that we would hold it steady for him. A man of many talents and he will be missed. A man of God that has made it to his heavenly home.
Craig & Charlotte Hinson
Monday, November 17, 2025
Praying God comforts you Aunt Linda, James & Stephanie. Take comfort in knowing Uncle Jim is with his Savior and his body is made whole again. He will be greatly missed. Heaven gained a faithful servant. Treasure your precious memories together until you meet again. Love you all !
Scott Lamb
Monday, November 17, 2025
So sorry to hear of your loss, Jim was a very important roll model for me in the fire service. He will be missed but he is in a place of peace and love. We will all see him again in time.
Rest in peace.
Doug Gatewood
Monday, November 17, 2025
Mr. Rutledge was a great man. He was great mentor and leader to so many of us on the Fire Department. It was an honor to serve under him and many other for my 16 years on the Marion Fire Department.. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Kristi Rutledge
Monday, November 17, 2025
My father in law and I have the same dark sense of humor. We love to tell each other jokes and send each other memes. I'll forever hear him saying "Hiya sweetheart" every time we spoke. His passing leaves a hole in our family. But through the saving grace of Christ, we know we'll see him again. Until then, love you "Gpa".
Gaylon Taylor
Monday, November 17, 2025
Jim was a great man and servant. I pray God will comfort the family and embrace you in His love.
O.D. & Nannette Baker
Monday, November 17, 2025
Linda and James, sorry to hear about your loss but happy for Jim to be in his eternal home with his Savior and Lord. Nannette and I are praying for you and your families for comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time.
Jim was such a wonderful neighbor to have those years we lived across the street from them. He was always helping us in anyway he could.
One time he tried feverishly to resuscitate a child that had fallen into their swimming pool but to no avail. He tried so hard and I'm sure he was affected by not being able to save her life. I'm telling this story just to say how dedicated he was as a Christian and as a public servant.
Rest in peace my brother we will see you later.
Skip & Lupita McGary
Monday, November 17, 2025
Brother, we will truly miss you but we rejoice that you are with God in heaven.
Skip & Lupita McGary
Monday, November 17, 2025
Although we will miss you Brother, we rejoice that you are with the lord in heaven.
Michael & Laura Allen
Monday, November 17, 2025
Rest in peace Uncle Jim
Delores Wheeless
Monday, November 17, 2025
My deepest sympathy for the Rutledge family. I pray GOD will comfort you and hold you close as you go through this very sad and painful time.