James Rutledge

James M Rutledge "Jim", 72, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, compassion, and integrity. He was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Helen Rutledge; and brothers Richard, Alexander, and Michael Rutledge.

He is survived by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Eileen McDermott Rutledge; adored and adoring daughters, Janet Rutledge Giesen (Brian) and Christine Rutledge Smith (Mark); grandchildren, Jack and Timothy Giesen; his sister, Mary Rutledge Page; brother Thomas Rutledge; beloved nieces and nephews, and their children.

Jim was born in Newark, NJ and attended Essex Catholic High School, Assumption College, and then received his MBA from Rutgers University in 1976. He went on to serve in various successful positions in finance, beginning his career at Price Waterhouse and ultimately serving as CFO, Vice Chairman, and President of Clean Harbors in Norwell, MA. He retired in 2016 and was able to pursue his passions full-time, such as astronomy, oil painting, golf, boating, rooting on The Patriots, and his Porsche ramble rides.

Above all, the most important thing in Jim's life was his family. He adored his wife, Eileen, his daughters Janet and Christine, and his grandsons Jack and Timmy who he often described as the "icing on his cake." He was the ultimate "girl dad," proudly and enthusiastically attending every concert, sporting event, and play. He was protective and always loving to "his girls," as he called them. Many a night in their high school years he spent hours sitting with great patience at the kitchen table with them helping with homework, including the most difficult of calculus, as a math major himself.

Jim was a man of warmth, humility, modesty, generosity, and concern for others. He was much loved by the many friends who had the pleasure of knowing him, and he was known for the genuine respect he showed to everyone he met.

He had a love of the sea, given his ancestors were fishermen, sea merchants, and even a lighthouse keeper in St. John's, Newfoundland. As he crosses from our shores, guided by the Lord to the other side, he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.