James Pete Rudd

James Pete Rudd of Natchitoches and formerly of Cocoa, Fl. left this life on April 21, 2011 peacefully at his home with his wife and son at his side after battling lung cancer. Jim was an instructor, instructing Navy personnel for 30 years at Cape Canaveral, Fl and at Kings Bay, Ga. Naval Submarine Base. Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a senior in high school and served honorably for 10 years. He was a Vietnam veteran. He belonged to American Legion Post 10 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1962. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross. He was an avid rower and competed in rowing championships throughout the U.S. and in Canada, Receiving numerous gold medals. He participated in the Rowing Marathon her in Natchitoches. He is the only participant that rowed in all twenty marathons. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Cocoa, Fl. Upon retiring he received a personal letter from Admiral S.E. Johnson, U.S. Navy for his outstanding contributions to the U.S.Navy personnel that he worked with. He is survived by his wife Frances Ann Rudd of Natchitoches, La.; one daughter, Barbara Rudd Flowers and husband Randy of Winter Haven, Fl.; one son, Jimmy Rudd and wife Kim of Cocoa, Fl.; Grandchildren, Dennis Arnold, Jeffrey Bell, William Personette all of Winter Haven, Fl, Daniel Rudd and Karli Rudd both of Cocoa, Fl. A memorial service will be held in Cocoa, Fl.