James S. Ruttmann

James Scott Ruttmann, 67, of Bucyrus, died Monday, January 20, 2025 at Avita Health System Bucyrus. He had been in failing health, however his death was unexpected.

Jim was born February 16, 1957 in Upper Sandusky to the late Schuyler Sydney and Mary Elaine (Amacher) Ruttmann. He was a 1975 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School where he enjoyed being on both the wrestling and golf team.

Jim spent a number of years working for his dad at Ruttmann Construction before hiring in at Baja, where he served as a supervisor of their wood shop. Jim had always been gifted in carpentry and had an artistic flare which allowed him to create some unique and beautiful custom wood creations. With this talent, he purchased the Village Woodcrafters, providing custom cabinetry and other creations for folks in the region as well as all over the state for a period of ten years until his health began to decline. 

On October 18, 1996, he married Vicki Sue (Belcher) and they created some great memories during their 28 years of marriage. Jim could get a little ornery at times and sometimes seemed a little stubborn, but he will certainly be remembered as a supportive and loving person with a big heart, especially when it came to his family and caring for animals.

He was happiest being outdoors and did a fair amount of hunting over the years, but his most favorite pastime was fishing. Whether on a deep-sea trip, ice fishing or on one of his many boats over the years, Jim was always up for casting his rod and reel in hopes of landing a big fish. Jim and family enjoyed many weekends at Cedar Lanes at Lake Erie and he was no stranger to the Ellis Lake, where he did a lot of boating. Jim enjoyed drawing and sketching a variety of pieces which appealed to the eye and when in the kitchen, his skills appealed to everyone’s stomach as he cooked some fantastic meals. Some of his favorites were his Cornish hen, elk, flank steaks and cranberry pudding.

Jim spent some time in Boy Scouts, was a member of the Upper Sandusky Elks Lodge, Ducks Unlimited, and the Ellis Lake Recreational Club. Jim’s Sunday mornings were reserved for Breakfast with The Beatles and during football season, always cheered for the New England Patriots.

In addition to his wife Vicki, Jim is survived by children, Sydney (Jim Redmon) Ruttmann, Scott (Jewel) Ruttmann and Samantha Ruttmann; grandchildren, Gabe and Brody Higginbotham, Elliot Shellhorn and Schuyler Ruttmann; sisters, Janice (Mike) Gasser and Julie Raines. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Danielle Higginbotham.

All services for Jim will be at Wise Funeral Service 129, W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio. His family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Friday, January 24 and from 10 – 10:55 am on Saturday. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 Saturday with Pastor David Layton officiating and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made payable to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or to any local organization that fights alcohol dependency. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.