James Arthur Rudgers

CARPE DIEM, QUAM MINIMUM CREDULA POSTERO - Horace

'Grampa Jim' died November 10, 2023 of a massive stroke just after sitting down to play poker with his buddies, just how he was hoping to go. He lived his life on his own terms and set the best examples of how to live each day to the fullest and how to make your own fun. Jim was born to Art and Gracemae (Beims) Rudgers in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Central High School in LA (Lower Akron), University of Akron (Lone Star Fraternity), and University of Akron's Law School. He was a lover of babies, golf, tennis, poker, cheap (but first-rate) Chinese food, clever luggage, and any really good bargain. His successful career included service as the Assistant Summit County Prosecutor, teaching night school at his alma mater, a long stint in private practice with Scanlon & Gearinger Law Firm, and retirement from the Summit County Common Pleas Court as a fiscal officer. But, he was best known for his twinkling smile, unconditional love, sharp intellect, and intuitive ability to make us laugh.

He will be greatly missed by his brother, Dick Rudgers (Jacquie, niece Mandy Harbaugh and her family Brian, Jackson & Benjamin, nephew J.R and his family, Colleen, Vivian, Lillian & Josie) and sister, Nancy Jordan (Harry, niece Kathleen Hohl and her family Paul, Jordan, Kate & Cal), his youngest Andrew Rudgers (Erin Hamilton, grandpups Gooey, Willie, & Gizmo), middle Julie Rudgers Croft (Jay Croft, granddaughters Rory & Maeve), eldest Jennifer Rudgers (Stuart Allen, granddaughter Kat) and their mom, Lois Rudgers; his step-kids Michael Bell (Amanda Bell), Beth Kukuk (Dave, grandkids Colton, Grayson & Sterling), Wendy Rounds (Scott, grandkids Hannah, Josh, Jacob & Jonah, great grandchildren Remi, Ellie & Griffin), Colleen Bell (grandson Alec), and his devoted wife, Bobbie Rudgers ("I lived a great life because I had a great wife").

His parting instructions, handwritten on a single sheet of white paper, called for "no calling hours, no funeral, no memorial service, no crap," so his family and friends will host a blowout in celebration of his life on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Clubhouse of Eagles' Chase Condominiums, 860 Eagles Chase Dr, Akron, OH 44313 from 4 pm until whenever - wear your dancing shoes.