THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear LCdr James Ruffin, Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer - Pilot on the USS Enterprise. Glad you were identified in 1983. Welcome Home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is next weekend. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Lieutenant Commander James Thomas Ruffin, Served with Fighter Squadron 92 (VF-92), Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), USS Enterprise, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

This is my cousin Jim, I was much younger but I will never forget what a great guy he was. I always looked up to him because he was just so darn cool ;-).

I remember one time taking a trip to NYC with my aunt and uncle, and his ship was docked there, got to see him in his full uniform.

Jim, we hardly knew ye! R.I.P.

On July 9,1983, I was assigned to photograph the burial of Lcdr. James T. Ruffin, I had no idea who he was only that his remains had just been returned after 17 years. I will never forget that day, it was hot. I remember everything as if it were happening in slow motion.
When it came to the presentation of the flags, Mrs. Ruffin was presented the flag that draped his casket. His daughter Gwendolyn was given the second, and James's sister the 3rd. When Gwendolyn was given hers, I took a photo that frame both Gwendolyn and her mother,the expression on Gwendolyn's face told me the story, "that is my memory of my father'.
At that moment, I knew I was doing the right thing, at the right time and the right place.
We serve our country to insure freedom, liberty and a better life.
James T. Ruffin gave the ultimate service to his family and country.