So many things would bring a warm smile to Jim’s face — particularly his family and friends; and, that smile would grow even larger when a big slice of apple pie with ice cream or a pizza from Post Corner was part of celebrating life with those whom he loved.
Jim’s passion for life permeated everything he undertook: the many successes he had across a full and productive career at IBM; his service to our Country as a Naval Officer; the impact his role as Elder had on the community he was part of at Noroton Presbyterian Church; the joy he experienced being with friends at the Tokeneke Club playing tennis or enjoying a good meal; his volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity; and, the tranquility that sailing brought to him on the open waters. Jim was an avid opera enthusiast, tennis player, student of photography, an avid reader, especially in the areas of the Civil War and international relations, history, contemporary world issues, scripture and religion; and an enthusiastic fan and follower of tennis, football and NCAA woman’s basketball. As an aftermath of being a varsity lacrosse player at the University of Massachusetts, Jim was a lifelong follower of NCAA lacrosse.
But, what is most essential about Jim is that he learned over the course of life’s journey—accompanied by so many wonderful people along the way—how to love deeply, live life most fully and become more authentically human—always choosing life—really choosing it with a resounding YES—and embracing the joy and pain that it brought to forge a stronger spirit and inspire those who were part of his life. The journey continues.
Jim died on July 21, 2016. He is is survived by his wife, Carolyn Malkowski Rusiackas, a brother, Robert Ruston, sister-in-law Helen Ruston, brother-in-law Henry Malkowski and sister-in-law Deborah Telford Malkowski. Jim had three nephews Stephen Ruston, Eric Ruston and his wife Sylvia Chen, and Eric Malkowski.
A Memorial Service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, Connecticut at 11 am on Thursday, August 11th, 2016. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
(serves former gang members in L.A.; Greg Boyle, S.J. founder/administrator)