James Rutherford House

James Rutherford House

May 15, 1935-September 6, 2023

James R. House of Wakefield, RI, formerly of Armonk, NY, died September 6th after a brief illness. He lived his 88 years creating a beautiful life with his wife Barbara (nee Clements) and their seven children David (Lynn), Elizabeth, Michael (Robin), Matthew, Mark (Lisa), Juli, and Jennifer as well as 13 adored and loving grandchildren. In addition to his wife and kids, Jim is survived by his sister Annie Weeks and was predeceased by sister Jeannie McCullough. Jim was also an integral part of Barbara’s Kentucky hometown, Curdsville, and loved the Clements family deeply. He is remembered by many cherished nieces and nephews and, of course, the Vettorettis and the old Niles Ave gang.

Jim was born and raised in White Plains, NY, where his love of cars and their workings began. While serving in the US Army at Fort Campbell, KY, he met Barbara who became his wife of 64 years. After leaving the army Jim began his business, North White Plains Service Center, with longtime friend and business partner Bruce Berlt, who predeceased him. Jim and Barb built their life in Armonk, NY, where they raised their children and Jim lent his many talents throughout the community. In fact, if you knew him he probably fixed your car. After the kids were grown, Jim and Barb settled in Wakefield, RI, where the family often gathers.

Jim enjoyed life and was full of love and faith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Wakefield, RI, on Thursday, September 14th at 11am.

Burial will be privately celebrated on the grounds of St. Francis at a later date.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to:

Doctors Without Borders (doctorswithoutborders.org)

SmileTrain (smiletrain.org)