RUTLEDGE, John Malcolm

John Malcolm Rutledge was born September 26th 1940 - and died August 9th 2008. Honorably discharged after a full tour in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963, John held many positions; Businessman, Salesman, Director, Chairman, Lobbyist and Realtor. John was very active in politics all his life. For many years John was the Chairman of District 21 of the Arizona Republican Party, a post he gave up to become the 1st Vice Chairman of the AZ Republican Party. John was the Head of the AZ delegation to the Republican National Committee in 2004, and was a delegate in 3 other RNC conventions. John was scheduled to go this August to the RNC and was really looking forward to it; because in over 30 years he had only ever missed one RNC convention. John also held public office in his local community of one sort or another most of his life, and was a Precinct Committeeman for the last 25 years. John ran his own PR firm, Rutledge & Associates, and ran the campaigns of many others for offices such as Natl. Congressman and State Legislature. In 1994 John ran Willie Wong's successful election campaign for Mayor of Mesa. John was always engaged in his community outside of politics as well. He was President of the Williamston, MI Track Improvement Committee, a non-profit John created for the betterment of local High School Athletic facilities. For over 20 years John was an active member of the Kiwanis, holding many offices in that organization including Lt. Governor. John was a board member of the Caledonian Society of AZ, Director of the U.S./Mexico Sister Cities National Board, Chairman of the Maricopa County Library Board, Director of the American Red Cross AZ Chapter, Chairman of the E.V. Chapter of the American Diabetes Assoc., and Chairman of the Maricopa County Air Pollution Control Board. John leaves behind a loving wife Sheila, who he was married to for 43 years, and their 5 adult children; Douglas (Malinda), Susan, Brian (Gloria), Sherri (Aaron), and Shawn (Faedra) and 13 grandchildren; Christina, Rebecca, Amanda, Mellisa, Kevin, Brandon, Scott, Matthew, Wyatt, Olivia, Sophia, Josh and Jack. Services were at Best Funeral Services 501 E. Dunlap Ave. Phoenix AZ 85020. Military honors commitment ceremony August 14th at National Memorial Cemetery of AZ 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix 85024. Published in the East Valley Tribune on 8/12/2008