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Rev. James Thomas Rucker was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 23, 1944 to the late Thomas Lee Rucker and Mary Alice Rucker. James was nicked named Jimmy by his family, but was affectionately called JT by his friends. He was a twin brother to Judith (Judy) which is the older sister since she came first and the older brother to his sister Mary (Connie). Jimmy always wanted to get to know his extended family. He would love visiting and spending time with his them. Therefore, as a young boy he was allowed to spend a few years with his Aunts and Uncles in New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Connecticut.
Jimmy received his education from the Baltimore City School System and graduated from City College in 1963. Shortly after graduation, he join the United States Air Force and was stationed in Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Jimmy received an Honorable Discharge, retuned home to Baltimore, Maryland and was employed at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He later was a successful Insurance Agent for many years and then was employed as a Supervisor at The Johns Hopkins University until he retired.
In 1973 Jimmy met the love of his life Melva (Penny) Coleman. But in 1975 Jimmy realize and said “I FOUND A PENNY...ONE I COULDN’T SPEND”. So he ask her to marry him and she said “yes” so Jimmy and Melva (Penny) Coleman were married. From this union they were blessed with two children Ayesha and Cameron Rucker. Penny and Jimmy where inseparable and they had no problem letting the world know how much they loved each other (with the 3 quick kisses). When you saw one you saw the other.
Jimmy was baptized at the age of 9 and became a members of the Frist Charity Baptist Church of Baltimore along with his parents and sisters under the leadership of Revered T. C. Turner. Jimmy was alway a man of faith from a young boy as a member of First Charity Baptist Church, later as a member of the New Antioch Baptist Church until his long standing membership at The Garden of Prayer Baptist Church until he followed his niece to A New Beginning Christian Church.
In 1981 Jimmy along with his wife Penny joined The Garden of Prayer Baptist Church under the Late Rev. George A. Hurt and the Late Apostle Melvin B. Tuggle. While at the Garden of Prayer Jimmy became the very first Deacon to be installed and was Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was faithful and supportive to his call as a Deacon. Whenever the Pastor ask Jimmy to do anything he was always willing to help and go beyond the call of duty. He would use his vehicles as the church bus, picking up members and dropping them off. In 1992 Jimmy recieve the called from God to preach the Gospel and in that same year was licensed as a gospel preacher and on Dec 12, 2003 was ordained as Rev. James T. Rucker. One of his most memorable sermons was ( P.U.S.H) Pray Until Something Happens. In August 2014 wanting to support his beloved niece whom God had elevated to Pastor, Jimmy along with his wife Penny and their family became members of A New Beginning Christian Church. Under the leadership of his niece, Pastor Sheila Baker., Rev. James Rucker was part of the Original 12 Church Planting Team Members. Rev. (Jimmy) Rucker loved his Church, and even during his Illness he would press his way when he was in extreme pain. Along with preaching Rev. Rucker enjoyed hanging out with the Brothers of the church and attending the church functions. His all time favorite was singing on the ANBCC Men's of Worship Choir.
Jimmy had some hidden talents. He was a great artist, a professional bowler, and a Pro on the pool table. He enjoyed buying old use cars and taking them to his life time Mechanic friend to fix them. One thing we all knew was he loved to eat! Jimmy loved playing all types of card games but he truly enjoyed playing pinochle. Especially double decked pinochle. He would play double deck pinochle with his mom and dad before they passed, his wife, sisters, Regina and his late brother In-Law, Joe. They could play this game until the next day.
Jimmy had such a kind heart. He would not hesitate to help you if he could. If you needed him to come get you, to take you anywhere no matter how far or how late he would not hesitate to do it. Jimmy was like the old school song “Jim Danny To The Rescue”. Jimmy had an unforgettable smile and laugh. No one had a laugh like Jimmy. Jimmy was a great Grandpa. He really loved and adored his grandchildren. He didn't mind watching and taking care of them when he had to. He loved them deeply.
Jimmy leaves to Cherish his memory his beloved wife, Melva( Penny) Rucker, children, Cameron Rucker, Ayesha Rucker, James Thomas Rucker Jr. (Jay), (who preceded him in death), and Latina Williamson, 10 Grandchildren and 1 Great-grandchild. Twin Sister, Judith (Judy)Elliott, Sister, Mary(Connie)Mickey (Mike Mickey), Aunt Theda Brown, Aunt Virginia Brown, Mother In-Law, Fannie Coleman, Sister In- Law, Sandra Folks ( Roy Folks), Sister-in-law Angela Brown (Andre Brown) and a host of Nieces and Nephews and Cousins and his Church Family and Friends.
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