James Stuart Ruster was born June 1, 1937, in Muskegon, Michigan to George Antonio and Reba Ester (Anderson) Ruster. He passed away May 7, 2024, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma at the age of 86. James graduated from Northeast High School in Oklahoma City in 1956. He earned two Bachelors of Science and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. While at OSU earning his first degree, he met and married Ann Elizabeth Stephens in 1960. They were married for 63 years. Together they raised three children and had a blessed life. James was drafted into the United States Army in 1960 and served in Korea for 13 months. Doc opened the Pauls Valley Veterinary Clinic in 1969. His mixed practice cared for a variety of animals from Pauls Valley, Garvin County and beyond for 54 years. James was a member of the Pauls Valley United Methodist Church where he served in many ways. He joined the Pauls Valley Volunteer Fire Department in 1972 and faithfully served the City of Pauls Valley for thirty years. After retirement, he still enjoyed drinking coffee with the guys at the station. Doc became involved with Boy Scout Troop 73 in 1972 with his son, David. He helped then scoutmaster, Dale “Doc” Hayhurst, and later took over as the scoutmaster. He served Troop 73 for over 47 years and help countless youth have adventures through scouting and more that 40 young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout under his leadership.
James was preceded in death by his parents, George and Reba Ruster; and brothers, Sherwood and Bruce Ruster.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, David and Scott Ruster; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law, Ray Samford; and two grandsons, James and Andrew Samford.
A celebration of life ceremony was held Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Pauls Valley First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Scout Troop 73, 17492 N CR 3280, Pauls Valley, OK 73075 or Pauls Valley Parks Foundation, 1005 N. Willow Street, Pauls Valley, OK 73075.
