James Rugg Obituary
Died February 13 at his home in Vista, CA of Alzheimer's disease. He was best known for heading the special effects crew on the original Star Trek television series. Jim was born on January 29, 1919, in Lidgerwood, ND and moved to Los Angeles in 1924. After graduating from Redondo Union H.S. he attended Pepperdine and UCLA. He became a ham radio operator in 1938 and was a radio operator in the U.S. Army during World War II. He provided special effects for TV shows and movies until retiring in 1981. After living in West LA for 38 years, he moved to Vista in 1989. His wife of 58 years, Mary Annette, died in 1999. He leaves four children; Jim, Jr. (Susan), Tom (Leslie), Shirley McPherson (David), and Bob; three granddaughters, Whitney, Elizabeth, and Lindsey; and a sister, Ruth Richardson. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, February 28, at the San Luis Rey Valley United Methodist Church in Oceanside, CA. The family suggests donations to The Alzheimer's Association or Vista United Methodist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Christian Grunow
November 24, 2024
Iam 62 years of age watching Star Trek all my life even today Nov. 24 th 2024 . It brings joy, reflection, life lessons ,optimism, longing, wonder and tears for all who have made this iconic visionary Sci-fi show impactful
Jay Carter
October 10, 2024
RIP, Mr. Rugg. Thank you for all your hard work on Star Trek.
Andrew Trilling
January 19, 2024
We grew up across the street from the Rugg family and we could not have had better neighbors. We actually bought their home after they moved and enjoyed raising our family in a home filled with such wonderful memories. We always admired Mr. Rugg and his terrific family.
Robert J Rugg
February 25, 2004
Ok, I'll break the ice.
The passing of this man will never alter the great amount of respect and love that his life generated.
I'll miss you for the rest of my life, Pops.
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