James Anthony Ruth 02/14/1951 - 10/27/2025
James Anthony Ruth 74, of Vonore, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. For 44 days he fought valiantly against an aortic rupture and numerous complications, defying medical expectations on multiple occasions. Surrounded by love, he received blessings and final kisses from his devoted wife, son, and extended family, who released him to reunite in heaven with his beloved son, Little Jimmy.
Born February 14, 1951, in Rockville Centre, New York, James was the middle son of John and Helen Ruth. He graduated from Uniondale High School and pursued technical training in upstate New York, where he honed the mechanical and electrical aptitude that defined his career. A chance double-date invitation from a race-car buddy introduced him to Cynthia, the love of his life; they married on February 11, 1973, in a joyful Long Island ceremony attended by many family members and friends.
After relocating south, James proudly served seven years in the Georgia Army National Guard, achieving the rank of E-2 as a helicopter mechanic. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and specialized helicopter-maintenance training at Fort Eustis, Virginia. He earned technical-achievement medals and a Sharpshooter badge for M16 proficiency before receiving an honorable discharge.
James built a distinguished 40-year career in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. In Florida he advanced to third-shift supervisor at Metal Industries in Crystal River and later maintained grounds and equipment at Citrus Hills Golf Course in Hernando. Following the family’s 1995 move to Vonore, Tennessee, he worked as a contract employee at DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville and Sea Ray Boats in Vonore. Colleagues universally admired his competence, humor, and willingness to mentor others.
In retirement, James and Cynthia transformed weekend flea-market vending into a cherished second career. They sourced quality goods from northern suppliers and offered them at generous discounts to the delight of their many East Tennessee customers. A self-taught electrician, James crafted specialized power cords and outlet boxes for local contractors and freely dispensed safety-critical wiring advice at the market, preventing countless hazardous installations.
Community service was central to James’s character. In his early retirement years, he volunteered at least one day each week at the Good Shepherd Center Food Distribution Center in Madisonville, unloading trucks, sorting donations, and ensuring essential provisions reached families across the region.
James delighted in Vonore’s lake and mountain vistas and in small acts of neighborly kindness—splitting firewood in his younger days and sharing emergency power during rural outages. Above all, he was “Papa” to his granddaughters Emilee (13) and Taylor (10) Ruth of Peoria, Illinois, never missing a birthday despite the 10-hour drive.
He is survived by
His wife of 52 years, Cynthia Ruth of Vonore, TN
Son Eric Ruth and daughter-in-law Tamara Ruth of Peoria, IL
Granddaughters Emilee and Taylor Ruth
Sister Patricia and her husband Richard Trapanese
Many now-adult nieces and nephews
A wide circle of cherished friends and flea-market patrons
James was predeceased by
Son James Ruth Jr. (“Little Jimmy”), who died at age 7 in a bicycle-versus-car accident
Parents John and Helen Ruth
Brothers Johnny and Peter Ruth
Sister Peggy Sharott
In keeping with his wishes, James will be cremated. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at noon on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Blount Funeral and Cremation, 2730 US-411, Maryville, TN 37801. The family invites attendees to share stories of James’s generosity and humor.
Online condolences may be left at the funeral home website.
