He was born to the late Francis and Marion (Ridge) Rudolph July 24, 1947. James graduated from Coleman High School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Northwestern College of Watertown in 1970. He was a staunch Republican (which drove his parents crazy) and for this reason enjoyed collecting elephants. James enjoyed meeting new people through the internet. He was a very active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coleman where he served as Vice President and Elder of the congregation.
Surviving are two sisters, Mary (Joseph) Block, Bonduel; Janet (Doug) Smaney, Lena; and one brother, Jon Rudolph, Coleman. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Friends called at the Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Coleman. Funeral service was held Saturday, July 8, 11 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coleman with Pastor Gregory Stahlecker officiating. Interment at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.