James Arnold Rutledge, Jr.

James A. Rutledge of Garner left this earthly life to enter the presence of his Savior on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He passed peacefully at Rex hospital surrounded by those whom he loved and who loved him.

Jim was born on August 5, 1945, in Palm Beach, FL but soon moved to Easley, SC where he called home until he moved for college at Newberry. After his undergraduate studies, he obtained his master’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, and then moved to Raleigh to work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Along with his work as a counselor, Jim also dedicated his evenings to teaching psychology classes at Wake Technical college for 18 years.

Jim Rutledge was many things to many people, but most of all, he was steadfast and constant. You could see it in the way he served his family and the people he loved; from the smallest acts of service to times of crisis, he was always the one on whom you could count.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Rutledge; his children, Scott Rutledge, and Kelly Bunting (Josh); and his grandchildren, Nora Hodgden, James Hodgden, and Walker Bunting.

This great loss will also be felt by many more family members and friends who feel like family members as well.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road Garner NC 27529.