JOHN DAVID RUCKS

August 16, 1978 – December 28, 2023

Bakersfield – John David Rucks, 45, finished his earthly journey and commenced a much greater and glorious trek on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

His life was characterized by steadfast courage, remarkable patience and a resilient religious faith as he suffered from distressing symptoms caused by illness and disability. Not one to complain, or blame, John exemplified a quiet self-effacing fortitude, an appreciation for the ludicrous and absurd and a tranquil spirit in the face of difficulty.

A 1997 graduate of Dynasty Christian High School and a varsity letter winner in football, John spent summer months working as a laborer for a country school district. John enjoyed camping in the Sierras, fishing at Hume Lake, walking the bluffs above Hart Park and exercising at the gym.

He accompanied his father to Vancouver, B.C. for whale watching, northern Arizona to visit a Hopi Indian Reservation and Midland, Texas to visit west Texas museums and the University of Texas, Permian Basin.

John is survived by his parents, Mike and Alanna Rucks of Bakersfield, a brother Michael E. Rucks , two nieces and two nephews of Jessup, Pennsylvania., Uncles Jim Rucks of Bakersfield, Joe Tidwell of Lexington, Kentucky, aunts; Cherrie Stetson, Glenda Wilson, Talissa Gutierrez of Bakersfield and numerous cousins.

Before his home going, John anticipated the magnificent adventure that awaited him and that C. S. Lewis himself addressed prior to his own death:

“The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can't supply is proof that Heaven must be our Home. Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

John's funeral will be Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 10:00 am at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road.

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