Obituary of John P. Ruggles

Rev. John P. "Jack" Ruggles, Jr., 91, formerly of 9 Crane St. and 37 Bush St. passed away at 7:40 a.m. Saturday (August 27, 2011) in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. An area resident since 1987, he was born June 5, 1920 in Jamestown, NY a son of the late John P. and Ruth E. Olson Ruggles, Sr. He was a 1940 graduate of Jamestown High School and attended the former Fredonia Normal School. He earned his theology degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from September 16, 1940 to November 12, 1945 during World War II. He was a member of Company E, 174th Infantry where he was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant. Prior to his retirement in 1987, he was the Pastor of the Coudersport Free Methodist Church in Coudersport, PA. During his ministry he also served E.U.B. churches in Little Cooley, PA, Titusville, PA, East Smethport-Coleville, PA, and the Baptist Church in Hainesport, NJ. He then became an evangelist for Odosagih Bible Conference in Machias, NY. He continued his ministry in Cyclone and Franklin, PA Free Methodist Church before going to Coudersport, PA. Following his retirement and return to Jamestown he served a church in Cherry Creek, NY and filled the pulpit for several pastors in the Jamestown area for many years. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Elverna J. "Ellie" Curtis whom he married December 28, 1946, a son George E. Ruggles of Gifford, PA, a daughter Carol Lewis Moyer of Jamestown, NY, three grandchildren Cheryl Lewis (Timothy) Linnan of Smethport, PA, Cathy Lewis Morgan of Naples, FL, Benjamin G. Ruggles of Dubois, PA and a sister Betty Baron of Lakewood, NY. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three infant grandsons. A memorial service will be held in the Fluvanna Community Church at a date and time to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home.