James Kenneth Ruppert
Age 75
James Kenneth Ruppert was born in Buffalo, NY on January 15, 1949 to Kenneth and Marjorie Ruppert. The second of four children, Jim declined to follow his father as an electrician in the steel yards and spent time at St. Bonaventure, Detroit, and Purdue Universities before earning his Ph.D in English (with a focus in Native American Literature) at the University of New Mexico.
He met Terry Boren there in 1972, and they married in 1984 after convincing each other that marriage was cool. Together they raised three children, and lived together in Fairbanks AK after Jim took a job there as a Professor of English. From 1988 to 2019, he taught English, Film, and Alaska Native Studies, and earned the title of President’s Professor. Jim and Terry returned to Albuquerque after retirement, and enjoyed the good company of friends, family, and sunshine for several happy years. He died on October 5, 2024 following a short battle with cancer.
Jim was a renaissance man, with many talents and interests. He was fluent in German, held a 4th Degree Blackbelt in TaeKwonDo, and enjoyed Magic: The Gathering as a competitive player and occasional judge. He enjoyed good books, movies, wine and whiskey. He was a writer of prose and poetry, a loving husband, and a kind father. Steady, humorous, and wise, Jim was a reflection of man’s old friends, coyote and raven.
Jim is survived by his wife Terry Boren, siblings Gail and Kenneth (Bud), children Kory, Spenser, and Darcy, grandchildren Carleigh, Teegan, Isaac, and Henry. He will be missed.
*Friends and family will be notified regarding a celebration of life at a later date.
Condolences may be left for the family at nmcremation.com
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Condolences
Sarah Stegall October 22, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I saw him last year, at a visit to his and Terry's home. He was, as always, quiet and wise and funny. He gave me a package of frozen hatch chiles to take home to California, and every time I cooked with them, it reminded me of that visit, the dog, the whiskey, and the pots of tomatoes on the back patio. I send my love and condolences to Terry, my friend, and their children and grandchildren. May his memory always be a blessing to those who loved him.
Kenneth F Ruppert October 20, 2024
My Condolences To Our Ruppert Family
Suzette Holman October 29, 2024
Terry and family, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May your memories comfort and sustain you.