James Rutherford

James Vernon Rutherford passed away at home on July 4, 2020, following a battle with Glioblastoma, through which he never lost his grace, dignity, and strength of spirit. Jimmy was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jimmy was born on February 18, 1953, and was a lifelong resident of Utopia, Ingleside, and Uvalde, Texas. Jimmy and Jackie met and fell in love through their mutual passion for music and family. They married in 1978. Their musical dream came to fruition through the inspiration and support of Jimmy’s uncle, Roy Johnston and wife, La Vayne. They moved to Uvalde in 1981 and opened the Purple Sage Dancehall, which they operated until 2005. They were blessed to be immersed in their community and show their love through numerous benefits and other outreach. Their homestead became a haven of love and acceptance to all who came—and all were welcomed.

Jimmy was a living extension of his Savior’s heart, and his life was his sermon. He was loving, kind, and faithful, a gentleman in every facet of his life. Everything Jimmy touched, he made better. He was a coach and mentor to many of Uvalde’s youth. He also served Uvalde Consolidated ISD as Director of Maintenance and Operations for 21 years. He took pride in his career, but family was his greatest joy. Jimmy loved deeply, as expressed through his lifelong love for his friend, soulmate, and ‘songbird,’ Jackie. He was an exceptional father to his own sons, incredible grandfather, and a patriarch to all who needed his caring heart.

He is preceded in death and was welcomed in Heaven by his parents Elmer Ray and Beryl Clydene Rutherford; his infant daughter Jacqueline Lois Rutherford; and his infant niece Susan Terrill Rutherford.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jacqueline Beth Rutherford; son James Chaney Rutherford (Amy, and their children Pierson, Patrick, Ethan, and Adelyn) of Boerne, Texas; son William Catlin Rutherford of Uvalde, Texas; sister Kathryn Laverne (and Sam) Williamson of Fort Collins, Colorado; brother Kenneth Ray (and Jackie) Rutherford of Uvalde, Texas; sister Melissa Ann (and Ron) Bruce of Rockport, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family who were all precious to him.

Arrangements:

A visitation will be held at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary on Friday, July 10, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family will be in attendance from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

(220 S. Getty St., Uvalde, Texas.)

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

(527 N. Lovers Ln., Uvalde, Texas.)