Mr. James Jimmy Olanda Ruff was born on October 15, 1946 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the oldest child of the late James Ruff, Sr. and Norma Bates Ruff. He departed this life and joined them for eternal rest on Saturday, October 9, 2021.
He was educated in the public schools of Richland County, South Carolina, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1964. He attended Tennessee State University, Nashville, prior to being drafted into the United States Army at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. His tours of duty included Fort Carson, Colorado, and Bamberg, Germany, and he was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. Upon completing his tour of service, he returned to Columbia, SC, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Benedict College, in 1971.
He was baptized at an early age at Sidney Park CME Church. As an adult, he faithfully attended First Nazareth Baptist Church, with his wife and children.
Jimmy was a strong but gentle people person. His deep baritone voice conveyed a commanding presence, and, when coupled with his kindness, caring, and can do attitude, provided a perfect balance in the relationships he had with others. He was an accomplished trumpet player, beginning as a band member at Booker T. Washington High School. This led to his being awarded several prestigious scholarships, ultimately choosing to become a member of the World-Renowned Aristocrat of Bands at Tennessee State University. With his vast musical talent and knowledge, he was often asked to sit in on music recordings and served on several committees to promote the music performing arts in the community. This cultivated his love of Jazz, which was one of his most impassioned hobbies.
In addition to Jazz, he was an avid reader. He also loved water, whether it be boating, swimming, or traveling to water destinations. Above all that he enjoyed, his greatest pleasure was being with his family, especially his four grandchildren, and friends.
Jimmy’s career encompassed both the private and public sectors, to include IBM and The Columbia Urban League, and state government. Some of his more notable positions included analyst for the State Budget and Control Board, Human Resource Director for South Carolina State University, and for Central Carolina Technical College. He was appointed by Governor James Hodges as State Director of Veteran Affairs, where he was instrumental in advancing various types of care aid services for Veterans in South Carolina. He was a former board member of the Dorn Research Institute, where he had the opportunity to continue his focus in aiding the Veterans Administration in research and education.
Mr. James Jimmy Olanda Ruff leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: his beloved wife of 55 years, Gardenia Brailey Ruff; two daughters, Stacy (Theodore, III) Parker, of Las Vegas, Nevada and Dari Kristen Ruff, of Washington, DC; a son, Deron James Ruff, of Columbia, South Carolina; a sister, Reverend Faye Ruff Houston, of Columbia, South Carolina; three granddaughters, Megan Kennedy Parker, Brailey Lauren Parker, and Kayla Andrea Parker; one grandson, Theodore Parker, IV; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and caring friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Gardenia, I am very sad to hear of my old friend transitioning, may he rest in peace, and may GOD give you and your family comfort and strength during you all’s grieving. I haven’t seen my old friend in a very long time, we were buddies at Waverly elementary along with John Wilson, the last time I saw you all was on a plane flying west, you all were going to Texas and we were headed back to California, we both had babies . May GOD Bless you all.
Dearest Gardenia and family. I wish you all comfort and strength during this time of need. We will always be BTW strong and family forever.
Sincerely, Odelle George C/o 1962 BTW
My sincere condolences to you, Gardenia, and family! Jimmy was my inspiration, and such a great friend to me at an important time in my life. We hung out every day, riding in that beautiful Buick Rivera, when Jimmy returned home from Tennessee State! I knew of Jimmy at Booker T. Washington, but we became great friends after high school! I’m so happy he married you Gardenia, because I introduced you to each other! “I’ll always love Jimmy” There was no need to make any calls on Jimmy’s behalf to you, Gardenia…if you knew Jimmy, you know he took it from there! He was a great friend even though we were miles apart, raising our perspective families. Ironically, I was in Atlanta celebrating my son’s birthday when my great friend, Samuel McKie called me with the news. My First trip to Atlanta was with Jimmy, Gardenia, Butch & Betty, and my fiancé(my daughter’s mother, “Kathy”). My daughter was also in Atlanta with our families…God is so good! I love you Gardenia, so please call on me at any hour! I cannot explain why I stayed in NYC, except, my children and grandchildren are here…my heart will always be with you and Jimmy in Columbia! ❤️❤️❤️😇💐
My beautiful Gardenia.Sending Prayers and Codolences to you and your family.I was sad to hear about your soulmate.The memory of all the happy times we all shared for our love of jazz with Skip Pearson at the Hunter.May all your sweet memories strengthen you during this difficult time. Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning!
Much Love🙏🏾❤
Beverly A
Gardenia and Family,,
Always remember, even in your sorrow,I hope you can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends, but goes on forever. The memories you and the family share of Jimmy will sustain all of you.
Peace and Blessings
Gladys Carter
Gardenia,
I am saddened to learn of Jimmy’s passing. Jimmy, was such a caring and good man; he loved his family deeply and so enjoyed sharing stories about his grandchildren.. He and Preston (Pierre) will now start their own jazz group. I pray God will give you and your family the strength to carry on.
Blessings to you and family!
Gladys Carter
On behalf of the Elmore family we send our deepest condolences to the Ruff family, we have been knowning Mr. Ruff for over 20 years and he was a well respectful
gentleman, I will like to thank the family for all of the support to GRT Auto Repair.. Rest In Peace.
Ronald Elmore and Family.
To: Gardenia / Stacy and the entire Ruff family. We are shocked and so sorry to learn of Jimmy’s passing. Marilyn and I extend our utmost sympathy and profound blessings to you and my departed friend Jimmy “Cool Man” Ruff. As your former neighbors of the then new,” Willow Run Apartments”.
I still remember the Bid Whist games and all the other great times. Jimmy and I were members of the Veterans club at Benedict, after returning from Vietnam.
May your entire family live with the shared memories accumulated while striving for the good life. May Gods blessings be with you and keep you all in his grace forever.
To Gardenia and the entire Ruff Family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss today. My sincere sympathy is extended to all. My prayers are with you as you travel this journey. Continue to trust in the Lord and he will carry you through these difficult time. Much love!
My prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Jimmy will be missed by all who knew him. I thank God for letting our paths cross. I 🙏 pray that God continue to comfort you and your family. Jimmy is at peace with the angels and the Master.
With my deepest sympathy… Keeping you all close in thought and in prayer during this difficult time.
“Little Liz”
Gardenia and Family,
Jimmy has joined the heavenly orchestra and filling the spot awaiting him!!!! We never get over losing a loved one, we just get through it with God’s graces. Yes, Jimmy will be missed, but most importanly, he’ll never be forgotten.
May the peace of God be with you and the entire family.
Gardenia and Family, Sending my condolences and prayers in your time of sorrow, May GOD wrap HIS loving arms around you today, and give you HIS peace which surpasses all understanding. Love You, My Friend.
Sending love and prayers to the family. We love you all.
Jole and Daryl
Dear Gardenia & Family:
It is with great sadness that Charlease and I acknowledge the passing of our brother Jimmy Ruff. Our friendship has been so long that we can only think of you as family. Hence there is sadness in the family. However, as families should, we will be there for you and protect the memory of our departed brother. Requiesce in pace.
Dear Gardenia,
I am so sorry to of Jimmy’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of you talking about him and your lovely family. My heartfelt condolences. Peace be with you.
Gardenia. I extend condolences to you, and the family during this time of bereavements. I will keep you all in my prayers. RIP Jimmy.
Please know that my love and prayers are with you and your family. I remember losing my Dad but remember the memories that you share will last eternally.
My condolences go out to you in the passing of Jimmy. May God’s blessings be upon you during this time of bereavement. Jimmy and I were coworkers at IBM.
Sending prayers for comfort and peace to you and the family. He was a nice man and led a well-lived life. I always admired your devotion to each other. He will surely enjoy the music and jazz in the sky.
Condolences to Ms Gardenia and family on the passing of Mr Jimmy. May God continue to give you strength during this transitional period.
We are sending condolences to Gardenia and the family and praying for healing during this
Time of grief.
Dear Gardenia & Family
I was sad to hear that my childhood & role model had left this Earth to be with the Lord. He was a major inspiration for me even to my choice of playing the trumpet which he did do well. I’m sure Brenda will be welcoming him on his arrival. I am available Family for any help or support you may need. I truly loved me some JIMMY!!!
Gardenia,
Please accept our heart felt condolences on the transitioning of Jimmy. The Lord has truly gain a humble and gentle spirit. As always you are in our
thoughts and prayers. May God give you and the family strength now and in the days ahead.
Gardenia and Family
Sorry to hear of the loss of Jimmy, you and family are in my prayers. God do not make mistakes. As long as me believe in Him, He will reach down and keep us during our season of grief. Do not shut God out during this season because you and Jimmy had a great life, family and grands. Your memories will sustain you in the upcoming days.
Mrs. Ruff, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Ruff, please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. Mr. Ruff will be missed. I remember the times you all would come to mom and dads and just have a good time and Mr. Ruff would just be sitting and smiling , laughing and clowning in his own quiet way.
GARDENIA AND FAMILY,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Remember the good times at CAJ and the years on the marching and concert bands and the competition between CAJ and BTW and the breaks we took while at Benedict.
God has truly been good therefore look forward to Eternity.
Always Love,
Gardenia,
I’m so sorry to learn of Jimmy’s passing, my condolences to you and your family. God has a plan for each of us and it must be carried out no matter how painful it is for us. He will be there to shelter you and help you through the tomorrow’s.
Love, vette
May Mr. Ruff rest in peace. I am sorry for your loss. Our family will be praying for strength, peace, and comfort for you and your family. With Love, Lynn Jollivette Johns & Family
Gardenia and Family,I was saddened to hear of Jimmy’s passing,He was such a dear friend and classmate.I have known you and Jimmy for such a long time.He will be missed.He was the type of person to get down and strap your shoes for you. I know you remember because that’s what he did for me.Heaven has truly gained an Angel.May God Bless continue to Bless you and your Family.
Uncle Jimmy has deserved this eternal rest. Thank you for being a great friend to my Dad! I learned so much about true friendship by watching the two of you. To Aunt Gardenia and family, I send you love and will pray for your strength and peace during this difficult time.
Love always, Angie
Gardenia, may you find comfort in knowing that many grieve with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
God bless you and yours.
Gardenia, our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. We all know that you will be missing an important part of your life but GOD does not make mistakes. Jimmy willI always be with you mentally and spiritually. May GOD provide you with the needed strength during your time of bereavement. GOD bless you all.
The Chishom family is deeply sadden to hear about the passing of Mr. Ruff. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Sister Ruff:
Elaine and I send our deepest condolences to you and the family. We continue to pray for strength and peace for you during these difficult times.
May God bless you all.
Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father, Jesus our redeemer, the holy spirit our comforter and our guide. We are sadden to hear the passing of my friend and co-worker. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and children and family.
Deacon Willie Bryant
The horns will continue to blow strong in your honor.
Gardenia you and the family have our heart felt sympathy for the lost of our “Dear Friend” Jimmie”.
We love you and will be here for you.
Rest In Peace,Mr.Jimmy🌹
Gardenia and family, sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Ruff. Praying God’s strength and peace during this time
Otis and Cynthia Walters
Gardenia, we are so sorry to learn of Jimmy’s passing. Paul and I are praying for you and your entire family.
Gardenia, we are so sorry to learn of Jimmy’s passing. Paul and I are praying for you and your entire family.
Gardenia, my deepest sympathies to you and your family in the loss of Jimmy. May you take comfort in the many loving years you shared together. Please know that your friends love you. I wish you and the Family peace and comfort in Jesus Christ as you grieve.
George and I send our love and hugs to the family during this time of great loss.
Gardenia, Children & Grandchildren, we are going to really miss Jimmy. He was such a great guy!
Jerome & Pat Noble
Gardenia, children and grands
Many years have passed since being with Jimmie at BTW. He and I grew thru the years to be very good friends. He was by my side in our wedding when I married Calvernetta as my bride. We remained friends even though we did not see each other daily.
I will miss him also. You and the children will always be in my prayers. I will treasure the friendship that he and I shared thru the years. God Bless.
Gardenia, children and grands
Many years have passed since being with Jimmie at BTW. He and I grew thru the years to be very good friends. He was by my side in our wedding when I married Calvernetta as my bride. We remained friends even though we did not see each other daily.
I will miss him also. You and the children will always be in my prayers. I will treasure the friendship that he and I shared thru the years. God Bless.
Sorry to hear of your lost Gardenia. May God hold the Angels over you at this. God will take care of you and your family. Praying for the time you will need to heal. Blessings!!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gardenia, I was hurt when I heard of Jimmy’s passing but I know that God is in control. I read the comments that were written by ML Kohn. I say ditto to all of that. Jimmy was my schoolmate, friend and neighbor. I will cherish our friendship and all the times we spent together as members of the mighty Booker T Washington High School class of “64”. I have known you for about as long as I have known Jimmy .You all were a loving couple with beautiful children. You will continue to be in my prayers during this difficult time and beyond. Jimmy will be missed.
Dear Gardenia,
I am so very sorry to learn of Jimmy’s death. You always spoke so lovingly of him and you two were blessed with a good family that you brought up well. I know the empty space in your heart is painful and will be praying for all of you as you trust him to the Lord’s loving arms. I wish I could still sing and you and I could do our version of “Oh Holy Night” and fall on our knees! I miss you and you are on my heart. May the blessing of family and friends and the comfort of the Holy Spirit bring you through this valley.
Gardenia , sorry to hear of the transition of (Jimmy)may the love of God continue to watch over your family, and I am sure you feel blessed to have had him as a part of your life, stay bless and God will see you and your family through this transition. An old friend(ENOCH)
To: Gardenua, children, grands & Faye
For all of the years that I have known, grew up with & attended BTW & Benedict College with Jimmy, I can attest to him being a great guy who was always the same even -tempered personality no matter where or when we met.
As my home boy from the Waverly community where Tree & Senate St. intersected, I accepted Jimmy “like a brother” growing up as he & my brothers were pals & hung out in our yard often.
As we all grew up & went our seperate ways. Jimmy & I still maintained our association, attending the same high school, college & church eventually because Gardenia was at First Nazareth.
So now another “BT” Washingtonian, has stepped out of this life into eternal joy.
May the family be comforted as you share the many fond memories of a good husband, father, and brother to Faye-Faye, his sister .
I will, as others, indeed miss James “Jimmey” Ruff from our midst. May he rest in God’s perfect peace!