James Henry Rutter, 83, of Jefferson City, passed away at his home on April 2, 2021. He was born on July 27, 1937 in Bosler, Wyoming; a son of the late James and Viola (Dogoud) Rutter. He was united in marriage to Janet Rogers on September 15, 1961 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. From this marriage three daughters were born. On September 15, 2001 he married Mei Zhen in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He was a 1955 graduate of Ft. Laramie High School. After graduation Jim joined the United States Navy where he proudly served on the USS Midway. After his honorable discharge he became an apprentice for the IBEW and worked for 30 years as an electrician. Jim’s great passion was gold mining and treasure hunting in his beloved Wyoming. He authored a book entitled “Why Wyoming?” which is a guide for adventure seeking individuals. He was an avid reader and also enjoyed fishing, traveling, trips to the dog park and spending time with his family. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Mei Zhen “Janny” Rutter; daughters, Laura Toppenberg (David), Lesa Varnell (JD), Lynette Arkins (Jim) and Jingwei Liang (Ziliang Ma); and 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Bertha Gabriel and great-grandson, Koltyn Neale. Services are private for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jefferson City Animal Shelter. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.