James Robert De Ruosi

Jim was born in Orange, CA, to Michael De Ruosi and “Joan” Jewel Sylvia England. Jim’s family moved to Escalon in 1947. He graduated from Escalon Union High School in 1959 and attended MJC and CalPoly San Luis Obispo. Jim farmed almonds, was a truck driver (for many years for A. L. Powell), and worked for his father managing farmland and the De Ruosi & Sons fruit and nut processing plant. He lived and worked in Escalon for 50 years and lived in Modesto for 26. He passed away on his birthday in Modesto at Memorial Hospital.

Jim married Patricia Kaiser (later Miko) in 1961 and had 2 children, James, Jr., and Jill (David Soldwisch). Pat and Jim divorced a few years after the death of their son from leukemia in 1963.

Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marilyn Olson. They were married in 1975 and had one child, Janelle De Ruosi (Wayne Philbrook). Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Robin DiRaimondo (Thomas) and David James Soldwisch, great grandchildren, Livia DiRaimondo and Jordan DiRaimondo. Plus, his step-siblings, Marilyn Luong, Sondra Zenger, step-mother, Anita De Ruosi, and nieces and nephews, Tiffany Rigali, Michael De Ruosi, III, Cameron De Ruosi, Nicolas Gosselin, Kevin Hawkins, Marc Hawkins, and Danielle Pisors. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, son, and brother Michael, Jr.

Jim could design, build, or repair anything mechanical. He loved flying, sailing, and driving, but he loved his family and friends most of all. He always made sure his people knew they were loved. He loved stories: movies, TV, radio dramas, and books. His favorite stories were the life stories of the people he met. His greatest joy was caring for those he loved; he lived his life in service to others. He loved dining at Hula’s in Escalon where they affectionately called him “Iced Tea Jim.” The next time you pass Hula’s, please stop in and have a beverage in memory of him.

Services will be held Friday, April 14th at 1:30 p.m. at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 River Road, Escalon. Memorial donations may be made to Escalon Historical Society, 1630 Main Street, Escalon, CA 95320 or Escalon Community Ambulance, 1480 Ullrey, Escalon, CA 95320.