James "Jim" Ernest Ruff, Jr.

James “Jim” Ernest Ruff, Jr.

He Cherished His Family -

James “Jim” Ernest Ruff, Jr., age 80, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Grandon Farms in Mechanicsburg on Thursday, April 30, 2020.  Jim was born on Saturday, March 9, 1940, in Concord, NC to the late James Ernest Ruff, Sr. and Inabell (Garrison) Ruff.  In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his sister, EbbieJo Ruff and his canine buddy, Benji.

Jim’s survivors include wife of 53 years, Mary Louise (Marino) Ruff; his son LeRoy “Skip” Hugh Ruff and wife, Paula, of Carlisle; his two grandsons: James LeRoy Ruff and his wife Julie, of Strausburg, VA, Jeremy LeRoy Ruff of Carlisle; his three great-grandchildren: Andrea, Christian and Noah; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim retired from Dickinson College in Carlisle, after many years of service working in the facilities management department as an HVAC Technician.  He was a member of the Carlisle Fish & Game Association and was a member of the NRA.  Jim was a jack of all trades and there was nothing that he couldn’t fix or build. He had a passion for big game hunting and each year he left home during hunting season with everything but the kitchen sink. Jim loved to hunt bear, deer and turkey. He was also an accomplished fly fisherman and could be found fishing the trout streams. His family fondly remembers that he enjoyed dancing and was known to “boogie a little”.  Of all the things Jim loved, his family was closest to his heart.  He will be greatly missed by his family.

Jim’s immediate services will be private while family and friends are encouraged to remain safely at home. Burial in Longsdorf Cemetery in New Kingstown will be at the convenience of the family.  Services with public gathering will be announced once scheduled.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Brookdale Grandon Farms who so lovingly cared for Jim during his illness.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jim’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com