James Dorwin Ruetsch

James Dorwin Ruetsch, age 79, born February 7, 1945, went to be received in the open arms of God on January 24, 2025. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dorwin and Mary Jane Ruetsch, his brother Carl Alan Ruetsch, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Ruetsch. Survived by his siblings Nancy J. Ruetsch, Raymond L. (Dianne) Ruetsch, Linda S. (Gerard) Riley, six nieces and nephews, eleven great-nieces and great-nephews, and too many dear friends to mention. 

Jim is a 1963 graduate of Groveport Madison High School and a 1967 graduate of Capital University in Bexley, Ohio, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in German. While stationed in England, Jim earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. Jim retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1987 as a Major after 20 years’ service.

In 1987, Jim entered seminary in Denver, Colorado, and graduated in 1990 with a Master of Divinity Degree. Jim retired from active ministry in 2020 from both the United Methodist Church and the Evangelical Free Church of America. Jim served as a Chaplain at the Cheyenne, Wyoming, Veteran’s Hospital from 2004 through 2012. 

Jim had been active in the American Legion Summit Post 0031 in Genoa, Colorado, since 1991 through 2024 (32 years’ service). Also, served as its Commander from 2004 until 2013 when he had to return to Columbus, Ohio, following a stroke.

Jim’s love of God, love of country, love of family, and total dedication to others before himself made him extra special to all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 S. High Street, with funeral service and full military honors at 11 a.m. with Frank James Riley, Nephew and Godson of Jim, officiating. 

Interment Frankin Hills Memory Gardens in Canal Winchester, Ohio. 

A special thank you to the entire Mt. Carmel Hospice Team for all their support, caring, and compassion, as well as Right at Home In Home Care and Assistance, and the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Central Ohio Healthcare System.

No flowers please. Friends who wish may contribute in Jim’s memory to a charity of their choice, or to Jim’s childhood church which influenced his life: Asbury United Methodist Church South, 4760 Winchester Pike, Columbus, Ohio 43232 or to Mt. Carmel Hospice, 1144 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

To sign Jim's online guestbook and leave a condolence for his family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com