…Vietnam Veteran, Patriot Auto Body mechanic; 70
TEWKSBURY - James W. “Skip” Rutledge, age 70 died peacefully Saturday morning, September 13, in Nashua, NH, after a courageous six year battle with cancer
He was born in Chelsea, August 12, 1944, one of four children of the late James B. and Kathleen (Rouse) Rutledge, but was raised in Tewksbury. During the Vietnam War, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Basalon, and the USS Kepler. He was a member of the Londonderry, NH, American Legion, Post 27.
“Skip” worked as an auto body mechanic for Patriot Auto Body in Tewksbury until illness forced his retirement.
He was an avid motorcyclist, had toured the entire East Coast, and made annual trips to Nova Scotia and Eastern Canada. He was also a faithful participant of numerous motorcycle benefit runs. He was an honorary member of the Tewksbury Knights of Columbus.
He leaves three children, James and his wife Tammy (Picard) Rutledge of Groton, MA, Robert Rutledge and his fiancée, Susan Fauvel of Pelham, NH, and Lori Jackson of Litchfield, NH; four grandchildren, Jessica and Kenneth Rutledge, and Cody and Jillian Jackson; a brother, Richard Rutledge and his wife Robin (Searles) of Tewksbury; two sisters, M. Linda Fells and her husband Anthony “Tony” of Chelmsford and Judith Foley of TN; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including Paul Curtis of Londonderry, NH, and Ambrose “Andy” Hynes of Tewksbury. He was the former husband of Janice Medor of Nashua, NH.
At Skip’s request funeral services were private.
Memorials to the Fr. Coppin’s Council 4336, Knights of Columbus, 2068 Main St. Tewksbury, 01876, or the Lowell General Hospital, Team Walk For Cancer Care, Attn: Andrea Jackson, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 or visit teamwalk.org - will be appreciated.