John Wesley Rutherford II, 59

John Wesley Rutherford II, passed away at the Delaware Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on March 18, 2025.

John was born on August 19, 1965, at Nanticoke Hospital in Seaford, Delaware.  He was the son of John and Joyce (Arnold) Rutherford.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Rutherford.

John was a graduate of Sussex Central High School, the University of Delaware and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, Class #247.  John retired from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental of Control after 26 years of service.  John retired as Captain for the Delaware Natural Resources Police.

John was a United States Coast Guard Licensed Captain.  He was a Past President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #3 and life member.  John also served on the Delaware State Fraternal Order of Police board and was a member of the Delaware Association of Police. He was a life member of the North America Wildlife Officers Association and museum.  John was a member of Harmony Lodge #13 and a life member of the Lower Delaware Shield and Square Club.

After his retirement he enjoyed numerous part time jobs.  He was a fueler for Sunoco Race fuels for 12 years working 102 NASCAR racing events.  John was an usher at the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball games.  He also spent time landscaping, snow removing, and being a handyman willing to help anyone in need.

In John's free time he enjoyed fishing, especially in the 1000 Islands of New York, and crabbing.  He enjoyed cooking, especially grilling and barbequing everything for friends and family.  John was a Little League coach for 7 years.

John is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jamie Hackney Rutherford; his children Samantha Cahall (Brandon), Nolan and Jack Rutherford; his grandchildren Ethan and Emmett Cahall; his mother Joyce Rutherford and siblings, Cindy Givens (Ed,) Sherry Burbidge (Mark) and his faithful labrador, Jade.

A visitation will be held Saturday March 22, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, in the Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 123 West Commerce Street Smyrna, DE 19977. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM. A reception celebration will be immediately following at Citizens' Hose Company 103 West Commerce Street Smyrna, DE 19977.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in John's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Delaware Hospice Center of Milford, DE, and North American Game Warden Museum in Rolette County, ND.

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.