James Rucker

The curtain of life was drawing to a close and God leaned down and said it’s time James, enter the pearly gates where there’s no more pain, no more suffering no more crying, just eternal peace. James Rucker, 62, of Asbury Park, NJ departed this life peacefully Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the Franklin Square Medical Center in Rosedale, MD. Jay, as he was affectionately known, was born November 28, 1956 in Queens, NY to Wilmer and Gladys Rucker. He relocated to Asbury Park, NJ to reside with his late Uncle Henry and Aunt Ann Davis. He would later make this his home for over forty-years. Jay attended school in Asbury Park, making lifelong friends and memories. He served in the United States Army for four years where he continued his education and obtained his High School diploma. Jay was employed for twelve years at Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), he started his career as an apprentice mailroom clerk. He studied the union contract until he could nearly site it word for word. Once he mastered the craft he joined the International Brothers of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union and later became the shop Stuart. James wasn’t done there he took more classes to learn the craft of First-Class Lineman. He was a quick learner and loved by all that meet him. Jazzy, (Jazzy Jay Love Joy Rucker) as he so elegantly called himself, as a young lad supporting his love of music. Jay had a passion and love for music. He was a DJ and singer for many years recording many tapes for his family and friends. All he needed was one note and he could name that tune. You could certainly count on Jay to put on a show at all family functions by singing and dancing all night long. He loved the Stylistics, Dramatics, Temptations and many other singers and groups. Jay is predeceased by his father Wilmer Rucker, two brothers William Grant and Glenn Rucker and his grandson Tyree Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memories: mother Gladys Rucker, ex-wife DonJoeann Rucker, six children, LaPell Moore, Wednesday Jones, Andre Wall (Amrita), Darnell Bailey (Kymberlee), Jaia Marshall and Janae Rucker, eleven grandchildren, Erika Moore, Da’Jon Brandon, Ja’Lell Moore, Jaela Marshall, Dominic Bailey, Clifton Jones Jr., Karis Bailey, Jaden Marshall, Ja’Zae Jones, JaSai Jones and Malcolm Wall and one great granddaughter Skylar Brandon; 6 brothers and sisters, Millicent Rucker, Johnny Rucker, Georgiana Johnson (Bobbie), Eddie Rucker, Lisa Turner, Joseph Rucker (Melissa), and a special friend Janet Kitchen along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

James Rucker

November 28, 1956 - July 20, 2019