Obituaries
Obituary: James J. Rudzavice, 46
After becoming an electrical contractor, Mr. Rudzavice and his partner Scott Shemms started Eagle Electric Services in Washington Depot.
BETHLEHEM -James J. Rudzavice, 46, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at his home surrounded by family after a two and a half year battle with cancer. He was born June 4, 1971 to the late John L. Rudzavice and the late Elraea (Ellie) Thompson Rudzavice.
Growing up in Bethlehem Jim played baseball for many years, including Bethlehem Little League, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack and the Bethlehem Tri State league, as well as several travel teams. Jim went through Region 14 up until high school then attended Oliver Wolcott Technical School, where he also played baseball. He graduated from their electrical program in 1989. He then completed his apprenticeship and became a journeyman (E2) electrician with Harry Wright Electric in Washington, CT., where he was employed from 1989-1999. In 2000, after becoming an electrical contractor (E1), Jim and partner Scott Shemms started Eagle Electric Services, and in 2012 added a second company, APEX Communications.
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Jim enjoyed spending time with family, trips to the beach, and attending sporting events. He was an avid Yankees baseball fan as well as a fan of UCONN men’s basketball. Perhaps his favorite memories were his trips to Disney World with his wife and daughter.
Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his grandparents, mother-in-law, and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Sarah (Tripp) Rudzavice and daughter Margaret Lena Rudzavice; his brother, John J. Rudzavice; sisters Saundra R. Skempris and Kimberly A. Geiger; as well as many nieces, nephews, and one great nephew.
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Jim's family would like to extend their gratitude to Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital, Danbury Hospital, and the nurses and caregivers at VNA Northwest.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 3, 2018, 11 a.m. at First Church of Bethlehem, 21 Main Street South. Burial in Bethlehem Cemetery will take place in the spring. Calling hours, Friday, February 2, 2018, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown.
It was Jim's desire to create the Rudzavice Family Cancer Foundation. In keeping with his wishes, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Rudzavice Family Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 144, Bethlehem, CT, 06751.
