James “Jim” Ruff, 79, of Blowing Rock, NC, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026 after a lengthy illness. Jim lived a life rich with purpose, adventure, and devotion to family.
Jim was born on November 19, 1946, in Margaretville, NY.
He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Marion Ruff, brother Don Ruff and uncle Floyd Ruff. He earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell. After serving his country as a medic in the Vietnam War, he earned his doctorate in Agricultural Engineering at NC State. He served on the faculty at Texas A&M and NC State, where he later served as department head. His beloved career was as a design engineer for John Deere, where he dedicated himself to diesel engine and off-road vehicle development and management.
In retirement Jim moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains, settling in Blowing Rock, NC. There he devoted himself fully to his greatest passion: nature and landscape photography. He became a respected, award-winning photographer.
Jim is survived by four children, Jill Breiner of Monkton, MD; Jenni Ruff of Nashville, IN; Andrew Ruff of Berkeley, CA; and Julie Rogers of Cary, NC. He was the proud grandfather of nine wonderful grandchildren, Jack Breiner, Clemmi and Tal Shoulberg, August and Ada Ruff, Aiden, Andrew, Abby and Avery Rogers. He also was supported by his loving friends, Cathryn Ruff and Joann Lanzi.
Jim Ruff was a man who spent his life in pursuit of excellence in engineering, in service, in fatherhood, and in art. He taught us to look more closely at the world around us, to find beauty in light and storm alike, and to never stop exploring. His photographs will continue to speak for him, long after words fall short.
Burial will follow a private family graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, an organization that shares his lifelong love of the natural world.
