CHICOPEE – James L. “Jim” Ruffner, 51, of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. He passed into Eternal Life at his home in the loving arms of his wife and longtime caregiver, Karen, and his loving family and friends at his side. He was born in Holyoke on November 13, 1973 and lived in Chicopee for most of his life. He loved to cook and was employed at the Delaney House in Holyoke and The Orchards in South Hadley. He enjoyed listening to music, playing games, especially with his nephew, Nathan, and loved cheering on his favorite football team, the New York Giants. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He leaves the love of his life, Karen M. (Pronovost) Ruffner. They were married at the former Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Chicopee on April 17, 1998 and were blessed with over 26 years of happiness together. He also leaves his loving sister-in-law, Andrea King and her husband, Jonathan, of Enfield, CT; his nephew who was the joy of his life, Nathan King of Enfield, CT; his loving aunt and godmother, Phyllis Shatos of Oklahoma; his dear cousin, Kandi Jones and her family, of Oklahoma; and his extended family members and many friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Laurent and Frances Bienvenue; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis J. Pronovost, Jr. and Denise A. (Labonte) Pronovost; and his uncle and godfather, Stanley Shatos. His Funeral will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 beginning at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sainte Rose de Lima Church, 594 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His Burial will follow the Mass at Sainte Rose Cemetery, 49 Olsen Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His family will receive friends on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. before Mass. The parking lot and main entrance of the funeral home are located in the rear at 20 Lafayette Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Sainte Rose de Lima Church, c/o 15 Chapel Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com