Obituaries

James Robert Rutledge, age 96, of Pickford, Michigan, died on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Pennington Home in Pickford. He was born on April 14, 1930, in Pickford to Leonard and Margaret (Hill) Rutledge.

Jim grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School with the Class of 1948. While in high school and following graduation, he worked construction alongside his father. In 1951, he joined the Carpenters Union in Flint, Michigan. During 1956 and 1957, he drove truck for Vern Huyck Trucking and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He then returned to construction and was self-employed until 1970, when he began teaching Building Trades at the Sault Area Skill Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He remained there until his retirement in 1989. On August 9, 1950, Jim married the love of his life, Belva Ann Cottle, at Pickford United Methodist Church. Together they shared many wonderful years of marriage and adventure. At the age of 72, Jim completed a 10-day, 9-night canoeing and backpacking trip through Isle Royale National Park. He and Belva spent 26 winters in the Rio Grande Valley and enjoyed traveling throughout all of the Canadian provinces, Alaska, Newfoundland, and much of the United States. He also built a home in Florida.

Jim was a faithful member of Pickford United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Suzie Q's Square Dance Club in both Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, served for many years as a 4-H woodworking leader, and was a member of the Good Sam's Camping Club.

Jim loved dancing, golfing, hunting, camping, and fishing. At the age of 86, he proudly scored his first hole-in-one, a memory he loved to share. Those who knew Jim also knew "the wave," his signature playful gesture that never failed to make his family laugh. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by sons, Gary (Janet) Rutledge, Ron (Margaret) Rutledge, and Roger Rutledge; daughter, Leanne (Steve) Storey; grandchildren, Michelle (Arlon Goforth) Rutledge, Kurt (Kirsten) Rutledge, Eric (Bri) Rutledge, Traci Rutledge, Scott (Annie) Rutledge, Nikki (Scott Ellis) Storey, David (Emily) Slater, Leslie (Curt) Bohn, and Will (Shawnna) Storey; great-grandchildren, Akayla (Jackson) Trumper, Alivia Salazar (Kaleb Ackerman), Aidan (Kennedy Hade) Richardson, Alek Richardson, Izzy Goforth, Allison Rutledge, Kameron Rutledge, Eleanor Rutledge, Jameson Rutledge, Harrison Rutledge, Owen Rutledge, Henrik Rutledge, Leyton Rutledge, Dakota (Amanda) Swinton, Skylar (Duncan) Lowrey, Maverick (Bailie) Rutledge, Cody (Britni Lakkala) Campbell, Reyanna Rutledge, Levi VanLuven, Tucker Rutledge, Elizabeth VanLuven, Lilian VanLuven, Rylee Rutledge, Mackenzie LaPorta, Christopher Vagts, Blaine Vagts, Aidric Bohn, Ellis Bohn, Ariel Storey, Elliette Slater, Reagan Slater, Lucas Storey, and Zooey Storey; and great-great-grandchildren, Kolton Ackerman, Eli Swinton, Evelynn Lowery, Jordy Morningstar, Amelia Ackerman, Terra Trumper, Makenna Trumper, Mila Bowe, Jasmine Swinton, Ezekiel Swinton, Emmett Swinton, and Henley Rutledge; sisters, Arla Jean Wilson, and Glenda Brown; brother-in-law, Glen Atkins; sister-in-law, Susie Rutledge; brother-in-law, John (Sandra) Cottle; and granddaughter-in-law, Kaye Rutledge.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Belva; grandson, Jason Rutledge, great-great-granddaughter, Amara Lynn; parents, Leonard and Margaret; brothers, Jack Rutledge, Glenn Rutledge and Bill Rutledge; sisters, Mary Lynn (Vern) Huyck, Lauretta Atkins, and Margie (Stanley) Schmitigal; brothers-in-law, Reg Wilson, Duane Brown, Alex (Delores) Cottle and Elliott (Elda) Cottle.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774. The Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 Noon with burial to immediately follow at Cottle Cemetery in Marquette, Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pickford Global Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128 Pickford, MI 49774 or Northwoods Christian Camp in Jim's memory.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.