Jack Rucker
Jack Rucker, 77, took his last breath Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at around 7:10 p.m., with his beloved wife, Beth, by his side.
Jack began life Sept. 18, 1948, in LaFollette, Tennessee. Shortly after, his family moved to Upland, California, where he spent the first 30 years of his life. In California, he is remembered with love by his niece, Lori, and nephew, Jimmy, along with other cherished family members. Early on in his California life, he met Joe Cebellas and promptly nicknamed him ‘Pinky.” They remained lifelong devoted friends.
An adventurer at heart, Jack was known for his keen curiosity regarding those around him. His journey eventually brought him back to Tennessee — Andersonville, specifically — where he met up with many new friends and cohorts in his multiple escapades. In 1995, he met Beth, a good-looking blonde with beautiful eyes and a fiercely loving personality. Their first date was over pizza at Mr. Gatti’s, subsequently finding themselves on long meandering drives and very shortly realizing they belonged together in a love which endured. Their adventures were numerous and, sometimes, notorious. Each was talkative and engaging, acquiring multiple friendships along the way.
In honor of Jack’s gift for friendly chat, Beth nicknamed him ‘Jaws’. He spent countless hours with friends at Tommy’s Garage, where he worked on cars and swapped stories. He considered Tommy Martin and Joe Alley his brothers. “Talk time” with Dennis York — also considered a brother — at the Git n Go along with other numerous friends in the Andersonville and Clinton areas made Jack’s life fun and full. These comrades and their families became Jack and Beth’s family.
He was especially close to Jaime and Hugo, co-owners of Habaneros Restaurants. Years ago, they nicknamed him “Cheech and Chong” after he pulled up in his roadster — yet another nickname was born.. Jack proudly played Santa Claus at the restaurant and treasured the time he spent there.
As Jack and Beth merged their friendships, each considered the other’s friends their own allies as well. Beth’s friend, Georgia, became a trusted marble-playing partner and confidante to Jack, especially in recent years. He also held deep appreciation for Marion Davis and many other neighbors and friends. His neighbors Jessica and Ryan, along with their children, Marky, Esco and Jack, brought joy and laughter during difficult times.
There was a very special spot in Jack’s heart for a young man with a warm giving soul and a special haircut which elicited a nickname ‘Freeway’.
Among Jack’s most cherished relationships was with Roy “Freeway” Trujillo, a young man he and Beth came to love like a son. Jack held deep pride in Freeway’s success as a restaurant owner and father.
There are truly too many friends to name. They know who they are. Jack was sincere with his friendship and appreciation for others in his life.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Rucker and Gert Smith; his brothers, Tommy and Jimmy Rucker; and his uncle, Jack Rucker.
Jack loved and is loved passionately in return by his wife, Beth. He is also survived by his cousin Debbie Reed, for whom he held a special regard; many other beloved cousins; and a host of dear friends who were like family. Jack’s in-laws—David, Elaine, Ellen and Andrew—and their families loved and appreciated him deeply. He had a particularly close bond with Erin Torbett, whom he considered more daughter than niece.
Jack was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Jan. 26, at Vista De Rio Restaurant, 1625 Oak Ridge Highway, Clinton. Friends and family are welcome to gather any time after 1 p.m. The celebration will continue as long as stories are shared and memories are honored.
