NAPLES – James Robert Ruhlin Jr., 74, U.S. Army, retired, passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at home, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born and raised in Bangor, the son of James R. and Helena G. (Hewes) Ruhlin. James graduated from Bangor High School, in 1953 and from University of Nebraska – Omaha, in 1967. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army through the Junior ROTC program. After completing Infantry Basic Training, he was selected and retained as a drill sergeant at Fort Dix, N.J., and later selected for Infantry Officer Candidate training. He was commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant, May 9, 1955. Later, he was selected and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a regular U.S. Army officer, effective on his 21st birthday. During his military career, he served in a series of global assignments as an Infantry, Airborne, Ranger, and Special Forces Unit Commander. James married Dorothy I. Strout of South Portland, in 1954. After nearly 40 years of marriage, Dorothy passed away in 1994. Together they started a family eventually con-sisting of four sons and began globe trotting serving in various overseas command duty assignments in Germany, Iceland, Okinawa, Malaysia, Vietnam – twice, and Korea. U.S. assignments included tours of duty at Fort Hood, Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Ord, Fort McPherson, Fort Levenworth, Fort Dix and the Pentagon. His decorations include two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars, Air Medal for Valor, four Army Commendation Medals for Valor, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal – enlisted service, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Arc Tab, Army Special Forces Arc Tab and Green Beret, and Army General Staff Bridge. Also he was awarded two Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with gold star and one with Palm. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in May 1974 to operate Bay of Naples Family Campground, Naples. While residing in Naples, James was active in many town committees and boards. On a more global scale, he served as president of the Maine and the Northeast Campground Owners associations, and was a member of Maine Tourism Commission, Maine Publicity Bureau, Maine Municipal Association and Governor’s Advisory Council on Tourism. Aside from the campground industry, James also served as vice president and director of Evergreen Indemnity, Ltd. and Evergreen USA, both insurance companies specializing in casualty and property insurance for campgrounds. He is survived by sons, Thomas J. Ruhlin of Reston, Va., and wife, Kathryn, Michael E. Ruhlin of Naples, Timothy E. Ruhlin and wife, Julie, of Portland, and James A. Ruhlin and wife, Lisa, of South Portland. James was especially proud of his seven grandchildren, Shawn, Annika, Jessica Savannah, Daniel, Ryan and Harrison. Also surviving James are brothers, Richard Ruhlin of Brewer and Robert Ruhlin of Hudson; and sister, Carole Ann Ruhlin of Reston, Va. The immediate family expresses a special note of appreciation to Carole Ann and Alison Milne of Hospice of Southern Maine for their support and assistance during James’ final weeks. James was predeceased by his brother, David Ruhlin, in 2007. For the last few years James reestablished a special bond with his companion, Brigitte Less of Osborne, Mass. The family is hosting visiting hours 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Road, Casco. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Christ Chapel, 37 Northern Pines Road, Raymond. In lieu of flowers, James requested that donations be sent to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route One, No. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hallfuneralhomeinc.com.
JAMES ROBERT RUHLIN JR.
