Obituary of Dr. James Tarver Rucker

Dr. James "Jimmy" Tarver Rucker, Sr., 80, a long-time Maryland resident and dentist, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 10, 2021. Dr. Rucker was born in Craigsville, Virginia, on February 14, 1941, and joined Aenon Union Baptist Church at an early age. He was the son of the late Effie Mae Rucker and the late James Wilson Rucker. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Moses Rucker (Joyce). He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Augusta County, Virginia, and graduated in 1958. Dr. Rucker graduated from Morgan State University (1963) and was drafted into the U.S. Army Reserve. There he served 24 months, with a majority of his service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Following his honorable discharge, Dr. Rucker continued his education and graduated from the Howard University School of Dentistry (1970). His dental career included Crownsville Hospital, Springfield Hospital, and owning and operating his private practice. Dr. Rucker's philanthropic arm extended to countless people in the Baltimore area without funds or insurance for dental care. He provided services to them without hesitation. Over the years, Dr. Rucker enjoyed cross-country camping with the "Black Hawk" camping club, activities at the American Legion Cookpinkney Post No. 141, fishing, his annual high school reunion, traveling, watching the Baltimore Ravens play, and attending other events with his children and grandchildren! He was an avid bowler with the Emmanans team, loved music, playing cards, and making people smile wherever he went. In addition, he enjoyed participating with the Howard University Alumni Association and the Morgan State University Alumni Association. His memories will continue to be cherished by his wife, Ambia "Vondalee", and three sons, James Jr., Ivan (Sandra) and Alfred (Janaé), and one stepsister Gail Rucker. He is also blessed with 3 grandchildren: Camryn, Kayla, and AVA, as well as a host of family members and friends. The viewing and visitation will be held at Vaughn Green Funeral Home in Randallstown, MD on Sat. Sept. 25, 2021, from 1:00pm-5:00pm. A private graveside service is planned at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills, MD. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dr. Rucker's honor to the Morgan State University Memorial Fund via mail at: P.O. Box 64261, Baltimore, MD 21264-4261 or online at www.givetomorgan.org