Jeffrey Michael Rucker passed away on July 5, 2025. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio February 7, 1972 and was the only child of Michael and Pamela Rucker. He grew up in Ohio and graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1990 where he especially enjoyed swimming on the Upper Arlington Swim Team and playing water polo. As a youth, he had also been active in the Boy Scouts of America. He enlisted in the Navy in 1992 attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He proudly served for 20 years and achieved numerous decorations during his service to his country.

He was the proud, loving and devoted father of two children, Joshua and Amelie and their family pet Bert, a French Bulldog they affectionately call Trummy. He resided for a time with his family in England where he was active as an adult leader in the Scouting program and he also worked in the school system where he worked successfully as a mentor for school children who were experiencing adjustment difficulties in their school and social lives. He loved camping and preserving nature and some of his hobbies included wood working and he was an avid sports card collector. Jeff loved all kinds of music but he was definitely a confirmed Deadhead. He had many special friends and he will be forever missed by his parents, Pamela and Michael, his children Joshua and Amelie and his beloved Trummy and also many aunts, uncles and cousins as family was one of his most valued things in life.

We will be celebrating his life at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home 5555 Philadelphia Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45415 on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 beginning at 10:00am with a service at 11:30am. Following the service there will be a procession to the Dayton National Cemetery, a military cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with honors. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Autism Speaks in his memory.

Online memories can be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com