Obituary of James Ruggles

James Ruggles, MD, passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 21, 2015 at his residence. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details. A private family ceremony will be held in Chanute, KS at a future date. James Ruggles was born on March 24, 1933 to George and Zelpha (Kinder) Ruggles in Pittsburg, KS. He graduated from Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburg, KS in 1953. James obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Kansas in 1957. James was commissioned as Lt. Commander in the United States Public Health Services Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Radiation branch from 1963 to 1965. After his discharge, James completed a two year fellowship in Pathology at the University of Minnesota. He was a member in the College of American Pathologist (Emeritus Fellow). James worked as a Pathologist for 39 years, having jobs in Watertown and Yankton, SD. He was also employed with Laboratory of Clinical Medicine in Sioux Falls, SD before his retirement in 2004. James had many interest and hobbies. His interest included music appreciation and was especially fond of classical and blue grass music. He learned to play the Dobro Guitar after the age of 45. James was fascinated and well versed in history. He was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing and knife making. He followed football, KU Jayhawks basketball and hockey. James is survived by his wife, Ramona of Yankton, SD; stepson, Kevin (Ann) Landers of Sioux City, IA, daughter, Katherine Ruggles of Pierrs, SD; two sons, Christopher (Cynthia) Ruggles and Timothy Ruggles, both of Brookings, SD and three grandchildren.