He was born March 12, 1929 in Marion, Ohio.

James was a 1947 graduate of Claridon High School. He retired from Central Soya Supply in Marion after 25 years of service. He also owned and operated a carpet home cleaning business in Florida for 27 years. James belonged to the Gideon Society and Power Squadron.

He served as a Sunday school teacher throughout his life; most recently at New Hope United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton (Polk County). He belonged to First United Methodist Church in Boca Raton, Fla., from 1978-2006. He served as conference leader for Lay Witness Missions for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church; while lay witness leader he received the Harry Newman Award for Evangelism from the Florida Conference. Before moving to Florida he was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion, Ohio.

James is survived by his wife, Gloria (Lashey) Ruth, his bride of 57 years; five children, Jim (Elaine) Ruth Jr. of Galion, Ohio, Mark (Maribeth) Ruth of Indianapolis, Ind., Bob (Barb) Ruth of Hershey, Penn., Sandy (Rich) Early of Huntsville, Ala., John (Cathy) Ruth of Columbus; 15 grandchildren, Dan (Molly) Ruth, Matt (Marie) Ruth, Lori Ruth, Brittany Ruth, Katie Ruth, Marlee Ruth, Libby (Dave) Mesagno, Sarah Ruth, Bobby Ruth, Rachel Early, Michelle Early, Jason Early, Lindsey Ruth, JP Ruth, and Blair Ruth; a great grandchild, Leyla Kay Ruth; three brothers, Frank (Waneta) Ruth, John (Betty) Ruth, and Charles (Dottie) Ruth; two sisters-in-law, Loretta Ruth, and Donna Lashey; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Merle and Evelyn Lashey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Ruth; a brother, Don Ruth; and brother-in-law, Bob Lashey.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons International, Marion County Camp; P.O. Box 73, Marion, Ohio 43302, and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills; 130 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, N.C. 28722.

A celebration of Jim&squo;s life will be held at New Hope Methodist Church, 4251 Chesnee Rd, Rutherfordton (Polk County), N.C. 28139 on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 4 p.m.