We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our longest-serving board members, Jim Rutherford. We all loved Jim personally, and he gave so much to INMED. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke his words were full of wisdom (and a little humor!). Jim was a quiet but deeply involved champion for children without a voice—at home and around the world.
A successful financial management executive, Jim built a long and accomplished career at Barrett Associates Inc. (now Barrett Asset Management), where he worked for over 30 years as an investment counselor and partner, eventually becoming vice chairman and president. He is survived by a large and loving family and leaves a legacy of generosity. Even after retiring from INMED’s board after 13 years, Jim continued to serve on INMED’s Finance Committee for another six years. He also served on numerous other nonprofit boards of directors, including the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.
Here are a few tributes from Jim’s fellow INMED board members:
“I remember Jim so fondly from his days on the Board of INMED Partnerships for Children. He was always so kind and sweet and very quiet, but when he had something to say, we listened! We often shared a cab back to the train station, and he would talk about his fascinating life and all the things he found interesting about INMED. He greatly enjoyed learning about new things like new funding opportunities and aquaponics. He said you always have to keep learning, because that’s how you know you’re alive!! My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He’ll be sorely missed.”
“I met Jim in 1958 when we both worked at Manufacturers Hanover on Wall Street, and we have been friends ever since. He had a keen appetite for learning and was always very good listener. We both shared a desire to help vulnerable children, which is why I brought him to the Board of Directors of INMED. I consider it one of my greatest accomplishments for INMED. Jim brought a wealth of intelligence and insight to the organization for many years.”
“Jim was such a warm, kind and smart man—and especially generous with his time in helping me to learn what needed to be done on the Finance Committee. He was very patient, never blinking an eye at my naive questions, but always giving me a straightforward explanation. I learned a lot from Jim.”
“I have fond memories of working with Jim on the Board. I especially enjoyed getting to know him on the Board of Directors’ trip to Jamaica some years ago. I greatly admired his quiet demeanor and wisdom, and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
From all of us at INMED Partnerships for Children, we send our love to Jim’s wife, Ann, and their beautiful family. Jim was such a humble man; for all of his considerable accomplishments, he loved children and was concerned about people in need, wherever they lived. He was a trusted advisor and true friend to us all.
Dr. Linda Pfeiffer
President & CEO
INMED Partnerships for Children