James Michael Ruddock

James Michael Ruddock, 74, of Catawba Island, died Saturday March 6, 2010 at Riverview Healthcare Campus in Oak Harbor where he had been a patient since January of 06 following a tragic fall and several brain surgeries. He was born February 17, 1936 in Fremont, the son of Charles and Louise (Turner) Ruddock. Jim was stricken with polio at the age of 16 months; however he did not let this handicap keep him from participating in life's activities. Jim was a graduate of Port Clinton High School and was the Salutorian, and loved and cherished the friendships he made throughout his school days. In 1954 he entered the University of Toledo majoring on Pharmacy and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Pharmacy. He earned scholarships in his freshman, junior and senior years for a scholastic ability. He was a member, outstanding senior and vice president in Kappa Psi (a pharmacy fraternity), was president of the Rho Chi (a pharmacy honorary fraternity), secretary/treasurer of the Blue Keys (a national leadership fraternity) and was listed in Who's who in American Colleges. Jim was a Campus King during Greek week. Jim started working an after school job at Green's Drug Store where he later served his apprenticeship and joined the staff full time following his graduation in 1958. In 1971, he purchased Green's Drug Store in a partnership from Tom Semon and assumed full ownership in 1985. He also opened JR's Hallmark. He sold Green's in 1998 to Robert Dodge and semi retired until 2005 when he officially retired. Jim enjoy his children and grandchildren, computer surfing, the stock market, traveling, cruising, playing games and cards, casino gambling, watching the Cleveland Cavaliers (especially LeBron), the Browns and Indians play ball, fishing, reading and helping children in the Ohio Reads program. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Elk's Lodge 1718, Moose Lodge 1610, Port Clinton Jaycee's (Jaycee of the year in 1965), the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association and the Ohio Polio Group. Surviving are his wife Cynthia Sue (Eaton) Bergman Ruddock whom he married in 1977; daughter Rebecca Roberts of Tallahassee, Fla; son Jeffrey (Linda) Ruddock of Perrysburg; stepchildren John (Shelley) Bergman of Hurst, Tx, Julie (Dean) Henry of Fremont, Joan (Jim) Jones of Northwood and Jennifer (Mark) Zaremba of Sheffield Lake; grandson Bryce Ruddock and step grandchildren Ernie Bergman, Brittany Wynn, Billy Wynn, Preston Wielinski, John M Bergman, Jennifer Jones, Zachery Wielinski, Seth Bergman, Tyler O'Malley, Joshua Bergman, Parker Jones, Mike Henry, Maggie (Shane) Cook, Michelle (Brandon) Kimmet and Rachel Smith; step great-grandchildren Kelsey Henry, Kasey Henry, Shainne Cook, Evan Cook, Chase Kimmet, Noah Smith and MJ Crowe; a brother John (Gloria) Ruddock; the mother of his children, Nancy (Semon);his aunt Anita Turner; nephews John (Tammi) Ruddock, David (Karen) Ruddock; great nephew Brady, great neices Meagan and Allyson and his cat Baxter. Friends may call from 10 Noon and 2 until the time of services at 4 pm Tuesday at the Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, 1124 Fulton Street, Port Clinton. The Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stein Hospice, Trinity United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of Ottawa County. Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH US 43452