James Monroe Rutledge Sr.

James Monroe Rutledge Sr., born on Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940, in a sawmill camp near Glen Allen, Mississippi. He passed on January 14, 2025, in Lucedale, Mississippi surrounded by his family. He spent his early years in the Mississippi Delta. His family relocated to New Orleans during World War 2, where his dad worked in the Higgins Shipyard. His family moved to McHenry in Stone County, a place he called home, after the war. He was educated in the Stone County public schools, Perkinston High School, Perkinston Jr, College, and Mississippi State University, where he received his BS Degree.

James taught Vocational Agriculture at Louisville High School and Stone High School before embarking on a 40 year career with USDA Farmers Home and Rural Development. He was a charter member of the Mississippi Agriculture Economics Association, a long time Rotaiory and served two terms as vice president and one term as president of the Mississippi Association of Credit Specialists.

James loved his church family, and his Lord. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where he taught boys youth, and worked with the college and career class. He loved young people and children and never missed an opportunity to speak to a child. James never met a stranger, and loved to share Jesus with anyone, anywhere.

He had many titles in his life including, Sawdust Doudler, Mule Plowboy, School Bus Driver, Ready Mix Concrete Driver, Lab Technician, Paperboy, Loan Management Specialist, and Pulpwood Hauler. He taught Sunday School at numerous churches, serving as Intermediate Boys, Beginners, Youth and Married Adults, Adult Sunday School, Super Intendent, Boys youth, and College and Career Superintendent.

James dearly loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Lillian Rutledge; brother, David Rutledge; first wife of 57 years, Barbara Shattles Rutledge.

He is survived by his precious wife, Patricia Rutledge; children, Melanie (Keith) Webb; Rhonda (Les) Hall, James Rutledge Jr., Keith (Tara) Howard, Kendall (Jodie) Howard, Melinda (Reggie) Moody, and Kellie (Harlon) Spiers; 25 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters, Doris Klomparsons, Janice Jordan, Wanda (Ken) Mallette, and Patricia Taylor.

The Visitation will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Shady Grove Baptist Church from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 PM in the church sanctuary with Bro. Bruce McKenzie and Bro. Richard Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in Rutledge Family Cemetery in Ramsey Springs, Mississippi. Pallbearers include Keith Webb, Turner McLemore, Matthew Palmer, Sean McGinnis, Les Hall, and Brent McLaurin.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements. 

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