James F. Ruegsegger

Jim Ruegsegger, who died October 13th in Toledo, was a natural athlete, a caring business man and a superb salesman. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, 1940 to Ann and Franklin Ruegsegger, he graduated from Sparrow’s Point High School in Maryland where he was named its outstanding athlete in 1958 and was active in drama. He graduated with a degree in English from Case Western Reserve in 1962 where he earned more letters (in wrestling, soccer, and tennis) than any previous athlete and taught tennis to school kids. His professional career was spent entirely in Ohio, first as a Buyer and Merchandise Manager for the May Company in Cleveland until 1975, then in Toledo, he founded the women’s clothing company, Jay-Gee Apparel, managing 13 stores across the Midwest. From 1992 to 2006, he was a Sales Executive for Yellowbook USA in N.W. Ohio, designing and selling advertising. He was usually the leading salesman wherever he worked and was appreciated for mentoring others who worked with him. In 1990 he married his beloved wife, Marcia Bowers, who cared for him faithfully as he suffered with cancer in recent years. In addition to Marcia, he is survived by his loving daughter, Leslie Weyhrich, born of his first marriage to Marianna Fitzgerald, Leslie’s husband, Tom Weyhrich, and their three children, Annabel, Lucy, and Jameson of Wilmette, Illinois; and by four sisters, who loved him dearly: Catherine (Daniel) Majdiak of Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, Martha Small of New York City, Mary Joyce (Jerry) Brady of Boise, Idaho and Frances (Donald) McConnell of Sedona, Arizona along with many nieces and nephews. Jim played tennis with great passion all his life, often with family. He traveled to Europe, Africa, and Mexico. Friends and family will particularly miss his irreverent and mischievous sense of humor. Shortly before his death, Jim wrote a note to Marcia expressing his love and appreciation for all who loved and supported him during his illness. He ended with “Give hugs to all and tell everyone not to smoke!” A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Ocotober 22nd at 11 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Toledo. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of Jim to the James Ruegsegger Youth Tennis Program with the YMCA of Greater Toledo. The family wishes to thank Hospice of N.W. Ohio and especially to his caregivers, Lisa, Martin, and Stacy for their loving care.

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James F. Ruegsegger

June 1, 1940 - October 13, 2010