James W. Ruth

Skellytown, TexasJames W. "Jim" Ruth, 81, died March 30, 2013 in Skellytown.Services will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Skellytown with Rev. Gary Metz of Calvary Baptist Church of Crowley, officiating.Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Pampa under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.Mr. Ruth was born on September 21, 1931 in Ticonderoga, New York to Henry and Carolyne Ruth. He served as a tail gunner in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He married Mable Fox on April 24, 1965 in Santa Rosa, CA. He moved to Skellytown in 1967 where he was employed by Phillips Petroleum Co. for fifteen years. He later worked as a well tester for several years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Skellytown as well as a member of the Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department for forty-four years. He enjoyed camping and fishing, and he loved attending all of his grandchildren?s sporting events. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be truly missed. Survivors include his wife, Mable Ruth of Pampa; 3 sons, Richard Williams of Pampa, Randy Ruth and wife Marcy of Skellytown, and Gary Metz and wife Terri of Crowley; a daughter, Margaret Fox of Pampa; 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; 2 brothers and 3 sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters. Memorials may be made to the Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department, 204 E. 4th Street, Skellytown, Texas 79080.