James Wilder Rucker

Published 4:18 pm Monday, November 25, 2024

James Wilder Rucker Smith (35) passed away Tuesday evening November 19th, 2024, at his home in Virginia Highlands, Atlanta, Georgia. He was born in Americus, Georgia on April 13th, 1989, to Jincy (Binky) Blair and Richard Rucker Smith. He is survived by his parents, three sisters: Madison, Mason and Rose, and two brothers: Zachary and Oscar. He is also survived by one grandparent, Mr. William E. (Billy) Blair, and his niece Olive. Wilder was also the grandson of the late Mrs. William E. Blair and the late Mr. & Mrs. Herschel A. Smith, Jr. Wilder was blessed with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who were very influential in his life.

Wilder was a graduate of Rabun Gap, Nacoochee School, and the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Honors Program. He was a competitive tennis player, swimmer, and runner. Wilder was an artist and active painter. He was a production coordinator, photographer assistant, and photographer for several years in the Atlanta and New York markets; working with numerous significant agencies and magazines such as Vogue, Esquire, GQ; and productions of The Avengers, The Walking Dead, and Stranger Things. He has been devoted to developing his company Reframed, which marketed art and frames; and successfully cultivated a large Atlanta dance community, acting as instructor and coordinator.

Wilder was a gregarious free spirit who loved, and was much loved by his many friends and family. He had broad artistic interest, and a kind and caring soul. He was industrious and skillful, and proven capable of managing sets with 100+ cast and crew. He was a natural leader, but was also gifted in making sure the smallest details were properly tended, and the softest voice was properly heard. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

A graveside service will be held at the Smith family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Americus, Georgia, Tuesday, November 26 at 4:00 p.m. Rev. Dennis Stalvey will officiate