Dr. James Ruffin

July 27, 1948 – April 22, 2026

Dr. James Joseph Ruffin, Jr.— educator, foster father, and devoted dad — passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 77. James was the tenth child born to Clora King-Ruffin and the first son of James Ruffin Sr. He leaves behind a legacy built across more than five decades of service to children, families, and country.

He graduated from Carver Vocational Technical High School with a degree in Tailoring and Design, then committed himself to a lifetime of learning, culminating in a Doctorate in Education Innovation and Leadership. Over the next five decades, James served students and communities in nearly every role a school system has to offer: teacher, counselor, principal, superintendent, and chief academic officer. Alongside his civilian career, he gave eighteen years to his country in the Maryland National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. He rose to the rank of Captain and held command responsibilities at the 2053rd Reception Station .

Throughout his life’s journey, James created many meaningful bonds. After the loss of his first wife, Patricia, he shared a chapter of his life with Carrie Means, and in recent years built a partnership of mutual respect and warmth with Dr. Fran Franklin. He was blessed to have three children, Kenneth Ruffin, Geri Strother and Lauren Ruffin. However, his commitment to youth extended further through him opening his home to more than 130 foster children. He kept up with many of them and remained especially close to Ramon Renda, Omar Hall, and Carlucci Upshur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clora King-Ruffin and James Ruffin Sr.; his first wife, Patricia Ann Smith Ruffin; and his siblings, Madelyn, Celestine, Hattie, Louise, Ann ,Clora, Vernon, and Armeta. He is survived by his children, Kenneth James Ruffin, Geri Strother, Lauren Ruffin, and Shaun James Ruffin; his beloved granddaughter, Carlycia Ruffin, grandsons, Devin, Kenneth, Emmett, and Rhodes; his sister Elaine and his brother Jerome; the more than 130 foster children he welcomed into his life — among them Ramon Renda, Omar Hall, and Carlucci Upshur; his beloved partner, Dr. Fran Franklin; and a wide circle of family, colleagues, students, and friends whose lives he touched.

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His was a life of thoughtful purpose — quietly led, generously given, and lived in harmony with the people he loved.