James Robert Rutherford

James Robert (Bob) Rutherford was born March 30, 1949, the second of four children born to John Marshall and Freddie (Sprouse) Rutherford. He graduated from Water Valley High School in 1967 and attended Northwest Mississippi Junior College. He worked mostly in appliance and refrigeration repair until he lost his sight completely in 1989. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at Mississippi State University and earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. He left this earth on September 22, 2023, as a result of a number of conditions including lung cancer.

Bob was a man of strong faith who, despite his poor vision, was a serious student of the Bible and could quote many passages from memory. He loved stories and collected many family tales from older relatives. With Edwin Bonner doing the driving, he was particularly faithful in visiting church members who were shut-ins or residents of the local nursing home. Bob was a member of Sylva Rena Baptist Church for several decades.

Bob leaves behind two brothers, Bill Rutherford of Senatobia and George (Carolyn) Rutherford of Normal, IL, and one sister, Ann (Joel) Shelton of Gore Springs. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews - Amanda (Will) Provine of Grenada; Elizabeth Gilpin of Grenada; Vanessa (Wallace) Rayburn of Water Valley; Thomas (Becky) Rutherford of Normal, IL; and Lily Rutherford of Laurel, MS - as well as several grand-nieces and -nephews - Angela Reeves, Caitlyn Hucaby, Shade Surrette, Amber Surrette, and Evey Gensel. Bob also leaves behind three beloved aunts -Katherine (Sprouse) Gates of Wetumpka, AL; Betty (Sprouse) Robertson of Rochester, NY, and Connie (Harbison) Sprouse of Water Valley. His parents and grandparents preceded Bob in death.

Seven Oaks Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral services. Visitation is Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 10:00 at Sylva Rena Baptist Church with service to follow at 11:00. Interment will be in Sylva Rena Cemetery.