James Alden Rutherford was born July 13, 1940 to James (Bill) and Edith Bryan Rutherford as their first child.  He passed from this life August 29, 2023, at the age of 83.  He lived on the family farm that was homesteaded by his Grandmother Rutherford and attended the Vilas Schools beginning in the first grade and graduating from Vilas High School in the class of 1958.  After graduation he spent some time working for his Uncle Deat and Uncle Turk.  Most of his life he worked as a farm hand for his school classmates Larry and Eileen Hall.  Upon their retirement James worked for Zaylon Konkel.

James' hobbies included reading and gardening.  He was an avid gardener and loved giving the produce from his garden to neighbors as well as canning much for his own use.  He was very community minded and loved to help with the activities of the Vilas Day Celebrations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Opal, and his brother Farrell.  He leaves to mourn his passing brothers Wesley [Sue], Ronald [Judy], and Darrell [Cheryl] sister Leatha [Norman] and sister-in-law Nancy. He had 10 nieces and 3 nephews as well as six great nephews and eight great nieces one great great nephew and one great great niece.  He will be missed in the Vilas community.