Jim Ruddle: A Life Remembered
Jim Ruddle, who left local TV screens 40 years ago to explore the world on his 35-foot steel-hulled cutter, passed away at age 94 in Rye, New York. His death from natural causes was shared by family members on social media.
Bill Kurtis, former WBBM-Ch. 2 anchorman, remembered Ruddle as “old school” and praised his commitment to fairness and accuracy. Ruddle’s talent for writing left a lasting impact among notable TV news figures.
Carol Marin, a former colleague at WMAQ-Ch. 5, described Ruddle as a mentor. His remarkable memory and intelligence were matched with a diverse journalism career spanning multiple networks.
“Old school it is,” Marin added.
James F. Ruddle was born May 20, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest child of George and Lucille Ruddle. He graduated from high school with a mentor linked to radio broadcaster Paul Harvey, continued to the University of Tulsa, and then joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1951. During his service, he worked as a radio operator in both the North Atlantic and Pacific.
Ruddle’s early career included broadcasting baseball games for a radio station. After military service, he began at a Tulsa TV station in 1954. He pursued graduate studies at the University of New Mexico, working in various cities like Albuquerque, Tampa, and Mexico City.
In 1965, he teamed with Gary Park at WGN-Ch. 9 in Chicago, pioneering the two-person anchor format. He moved to WMAQ-Ch. 5 in 1967, excelling as a reporter and anchorman. In 1975, he transitioned to public broadcasting with WTTW-Ch. 11’s “Public News Center,” followed by a role at NBC as a regional correspondent in 1977.
Ruddle returned to WMAQ, where he was known for his investigative reporting and commentary. While often in conflict with corporate restraints, he was respected for his intellect and gravitas by media columnist Rob Feder. When his contract ended in 1986, he chose life on his boat “Zarzuela,” navigating the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Great Lakes.
He maintained connections with friends and family, even after the death of his wife, Anne, in 2018. He later partnered with magazine editor Marilyn Balamaci. In Rye, he authored a young adult novel, “My Name Is Luke,” inspired by his grandchildren.
Daughter Brey Sloan described her father as an exceptional man and storyteller. He relished his time in the early years of television journalism, noting it was different from modern broadcasting.
Peter Nolan, a former colleague, admired Ruddle’s memory and humor, recounting their shared fondness for singing. Alongside his children, Ruddle leaves behind six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and companion Balamaci. A memorial service is forthcoming.