James D. Rudy (USAF, Col. Ret.), age 82, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the Warrensburg Veteran's Home, supported by family and faithful caregivers.

Jim was born in Huntingdon, PA on Sept. 29, 1939, to Jim and Marie Rudy. After graduating from Bald Eagle Area Joint High School in 1957, he attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. Jim earned a bachelor's degree in history, spotlighting his lifelong interest in the field. On March 26, 1961, he married the love of his life, Kitty Lou Stiffler. Not long after that, they embarked on a 24-year adventure in the United States Air Force. Like many young men of the time, he was sent to Vietnam, while his wife supported him from the home front and cared for their two young children. Upon his return, his path took an unexpected turn into the world of Minuteman missile systems. From serving as crew member to commander to instructor and evaluator, he successfully met all challenges and ultimately achieved the rank of Colonel. His final assignment was as deputy commander of maintenance, 91 ^st Strategic Missile Wing, Strategic Air Command, at Minot AFB, ND. After leaving the Air Force, he explored many interests including teaching, cooking, local politics, golfing, charitable works, and fishing. He contributed time, talent and treasure to many religious and community organizations including, but not limited to VFW, American Legion, Elks, Warrensburg Food Pantry and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He and his wife had a successful second career building a proud Warrensburg business, Rudy's Frame Shop, which they ran together for 18 years.

Jim Rudy could always be found in several places: his customary pew at church, his comfortable chair in the living room (reading or watching the Royals) or in the yard, loyally mowing. Jim was a great listener with a calm demeanor. His strong and steady hands put together countless picture frames. He was a steadfast friend, a devoted husband, and a beloved father. His love is felt in the generations he touched while he was here, and the legacy that they will carry into the future.

Jim is survived by his brother, Steve (Sally) Rudy; his children, Roben (Paul) Hinker, James (Rhonda) Rudy, his grandchildren, Grace (Derek) Tubbs, Marcie (Robert) Engel, Rachel (Josh) Wehr, James Hinker, Mariah Rudy, Jameson Rudy; his great grandsons, Liam Tubbs, Wesley Tubbs, Theodore Wehr and soon to be born Baby Wehr; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg, MO. The service will be streamed at www.blchurch.com/home . An interment ceremony will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors for 1 hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to either Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the Warrensburg Veterans Home. Both of these organizations played an important role in his life and will ensure that all contributions will be distributed in honor of Jim's legacy.