James Duane "J" Rudy, II, age 58, of Wellington, MO, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at North Kansas City Hospital, after a lengthy and courageous battle with colon cancer.

Born July 26, 1965 in Lewiston, New York. The only son of James Duane "Jim" Rudy and Kitty Lou (Stiffler) Rudy, who preceded him in death.

Being the typical "Air Force Brat" J attended many different schools over the years. J started high school in Warrensburg and graduated from Minot North Dakota in 1985. After years of moving, Warrensburg became home to J and he decided to start and attend Central Missouri State University for his general studies before going on to obtain his Bachelor of Science of Electrical Engineering at the South Dakota School of the Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota. J graduated from South Dakota School of Mines in 1989 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Upon receiving his degree, J started his career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and dedicated the rest of his career to the Corps. J was very proud of his job and the work that he did while at Whiteman AFB, Fort Leonard Wood, the Kansas City District Office, the Napoleon River Office and finishing his career in Lexington working at repairing the structures along the Missouri River.

Shortly after beginning his career with the Corps, J met his "Person", Rhonda Suhr. J and Rhonda began a sometimes humorous courtship, which led to them being united in marriage October 12, 1996. J and Rhonda were excited to welcome a new addition to their world, August 30, 1998, a daughter, Mariah Rose became the "gleam in J's eyes". On July 17, 2000, their son, Jameson Lorell made his entrance into their lives and they knew that he was the perfect completion to their family. The Corps kept the family moving from place to place for the first few years. Living in a variety of places, Warrensburg, Rolla, Grain Valley, Ernestville, Concordia and finally Wellington. Wellington is when J took control of "his river". Many people voiced that J controlled the floods, the highs, the lows and all things that the MO River did to impact them.

J was what many would consider a "simple man". J liked what he liked, he believed what he believed and marched to his own beat. A no non-sense type of man, there was a reason for all things for J. Being a stereotypical engineer type, all things in J's world had to make sense. At all times J maintained an unparalleled patience and fairness, as this was a trademark of his character.

J loved being a husband, father, mentor and boss. J enjoyed spending quality time with Rhonda, Mariah, Jameson and his family. J liked his routines and traditions, which included Buffalo Wild Wings for March Madness, wearing Wild Socks and Ties, Penn State Football, the KC Chiefs, any team/activity that his children were involved with, Pie Making with Jameson and Mariah, Time with Frizzle and Sterling, Trivia, Math, Science, and anything "nerdy" as his wife would remind him. J was always on a quest to solve the unsolvable equation, sometimes succeeding. J's love for movies and music were eclectic to say the least a trait he definitely passed to his children.

J will be deeply missed by his loving wife and children, family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances.

J is survived by his wife, Rhonda; his children Mariah Rudy and Jameson Rudy; his sister Roben (Paul) Hinker, his nieces and nephew and their families; his aunt Ann (Arthur) Reede; his uncle, Steve (Sally) Rudy; an honorary uncle Kenny (Sally) Rudy, as well as many cousins, family, and friends.

Per J's wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, at the Wellington Fair Building in Wellington, MO. The family would appreciate your help in carrying out J's final wishes to come eat, drink and celebrate his life. More detailed information regarding his Celebration of Life will be added to Facebook.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg, MO. Following the services, a meal will be provided by The Mary Martha Guild in the Church basement.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the J Rudy Memorial STEM Scholarship, the American Cancer Society for research, or family choice. As a tribute to J we would also love it if everyone would wear crazy socks and/or ties to the service and/or celebration of life.