James Mack “Jim” Ruffin passed from this life on January 28, 2025, in Paris, TX, at the age of 72. Born on August 19, 1952, in Valliant, OK, to James and Fredalene (Whatley) Ruffin.

Jim was born in Valliant, OK and raised for all of his life in the Valliant and Wright City area. He attended school in Valliant. Jim completed his education after joining the Army where he served at Ft. Ord, CA, Berlin, Germany and Ft. Lewis, WA. In 1976, he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sergeant and returned to stay for the rest of his life in McCurtain County.

He was employed with Weyerhaeuser, Wright City, OK for close to 30 years, retiring as a Powerhouse Operator prior to the mills closing.

Jim enjoyed many things in his lifetime. He enjoyed his horses and team roped at many local and USTRC ropings. He was especially proud of his team of blue roan mares he trained as a wagon team. That knowledge came from his friend Amos Emory. Jim taught himself to be a really good campfire cook. He always had good horses and fat/slick cattle. Over the last several years, he enjoyed trail riding in the mountains north of Broken Bow with Red Armstrong and a group of fellow horse and mule riders from all over the local area.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Ruffin and Fredalene Warford; brothers, Troy and Gordon Ruffin; sister, Minnie Bee Liggett.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Ruffin of the home; sons, Todd and Andrea Ruffin of Hugo, OK; their children, Jonathan, Damon, and Jason Yarbrough; Wade and Jennifer Jordan of Denver City, TX; their children, Macey and Ian McDonald of Texico, NM; Marley and Miranda Jordan of Denver City, TX; step-son, Gary and Sylvia Shepherd of Fox, OK; their children, Patten Mims, April Shepherd, Preston and Brianna Shepherd; sister, Yvette Hicks of Durant, OK ;sister-in-law, Sara Miller of Idabel, OK; brothers-in-law, Rick and Dina Cole of Colorado Springs, CO; Bob Cole of Cape Coral, FL; special cousin and trail riding buddy Red Armstrong of Millerton, OK; many local and SE Oklahoma friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, Weyerhaeuser co-workers and “Berlin Buddies” with whom he served in the Army.

To those who knew him, he could be a little more than “stubborn” or “set in his ways”, but he was also a man that would help you as a friend, with whatever it was that you needed.

Heartfelt “Thank You” to Jim, Myra and Adam Stout, Bill Smith, McCurtain County EMS, McCurtain County Sheriff's Deputies and Bruce Shirey.

He will be so missed by us all.

Memorial Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Melvin Gibson officiating.