Obituary of J. Rukin Jelks

J. Rukin "Rukie" Jelks, 86, passed away Friday January 17, 2014 in Tucson, AZ. Rukin was born October 21, 1927 in Tucson, AZ. He grew up on his Dad's X-9 Ranch located in the Rincon Mountains of his beloved Arizona. He attended Fountain Valley School in Colorado. Rukin was a member of Sigma Chi, graduating from the University of Montana with degrees in Anthropology and Sociology. While in college he met the love of his life, Carolyn "Keri" Gillett. They married in 1951, and he took his first job with the Hercules Powder Company in Phoenix, AZ. He subsequently owned and operated the Pioneer Gun Shop, was involved in a soil conditioning business, and ultimately operated the Diamond C Ranch located in the Canelo Hills, in partnership with his 3 sons, assisted by their loyal ranch foreman, Joe Quiroga. Rukin and Keri were strong contributors to their communities. He was a member of Rotary 100, The Phoenix Thunderbirds, Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse Volunteer Search and Rescue, Chairman of the Arizona State Parks Board, placing Kartchner Caverns on the National Association of State Parks, Arizona Cattle Growers Association, The MO Club, co-founded by his father. A member of Los Charros del Desierto and Chairman of the Board of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. A sportsman with varied interests, Rukin was as comfortable in a cattle pen as he was in the board room! He was a leader in every organization in which he served, imparting his humility, generosity, love of people, sense of humor, rural expressions, wisdom, and vision, with his rakish charm. Predeceased by his parents and sister Barbara: his is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Keri, 3 sons and their wives: Rukie and Patricia, Daniel "Boone" and Barbara, Jimmy and Karen and his 10 precious grandchildren. "Remembering Rukin" to be held on Saturday February 15, 2014 1:00 pm at the Santa Cruz County Fair Grounds 3142 S. Highway 83 Sonoita, AZ. To honor Rukin, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 2021 N. Kinney, Tucson, AZ 85743 or Patronatos Mission San Xavier del Bac 117 N. Church Avenue Tucson, AZ. 85701. Patronatosanxavier.org/donate Arrangements entrusted to Adair Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel "Adios mi compadres, como siempre"